I wore racing T-shirts to [high] school and liked going to the races,but I wasn’t a big racing buff. I was more of a tomboy growing up. Now that I’m around cars and grease and dirt, I cherish the moments when I can be a girl and wear dresses. I hated wearing heels and dresses when I was growing up. Now I like it.
My dad (1) would travel a lot, but it was pretty typical situation– dinner at 6 p.m. When my dad was home, he would mix it up and let us stay up late.
I started racing as a hobby. I was taking teaching courses, criminal justice, and just raced on the side. A spot opened up for me and I thought, “Let’s give it a try.”
He wanted me to do whatever I wanted to do and was going to be supportive no matter what. When I chose racing, he gave me advice and never sugarcoated it. He told me about the car wrecks and how you can’t unpack your suitcase for more than a few days.
I think he worries about me. It’s dangerous. And I’m his little girl. It’s harder to let go. I feel the same way when I watch my little sister race. I get protective.
I had a fire in Phoenix (2). I didn’t know there was a gap in my helmet. An explosion hit and the smoke blew into my helmet. Whenever I’ve had questions, I’ve gone to my dad or crew chief or mom. But I didn’t have them. I only had myself. It was good moment that taught me to rely on myself.
I wear a St. Christopher’s necklace. He’s the saint of safe travel.
Being a gal hasn’t been a big deal. There are a lot of women in drag racing. People who don’t know much about the sport are the ones who make a big deal out of it. I’ve never heard the people I compete with say anything negative about women racing. A big part about that is that my dad races, so I’ve known the guys for a while.
It was weird (3). Usually I’m able to watch him race, but I was racing next to him. He came over and congratulated me afterward. The torch had been passed. He was excited. It’s not like he could be upset. He’s the one that taught me.
He was a little emotional. He’s a pretty emotional guy. You’d think he was a tough guy, but we’ve waited all these years to race and finally we got the chance. It was emotional for all of us.
I’m sure he’ll take me out a couple times when we race again.
I’m really shy. I don’t like the spotlight. In high school, I was the only cheerleader who never got in the front to lead a cheer. In choir, I was the only one who never did a solo. The worst thing I could do was the reality show, but I have to get over it. My sisters and dad love the spotlight. I’m getting there.
I get more nervous when I come back from a run. There’ll be a big crowd cheering and my face will turn bright red. I’m relieved when I climb in the car. There’s familiarity there. I’ve got it down. I’m less nervous there than I am being watched.
I’m still going to be drag racing. (4) My whole family does this, I can’t imagine not being involved. I’ll be married with kids’ but I”ll still be racing.
Force, 24, will be part of the NHRA Nationals, which take place Thursday-June 10 at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet.
1: John Force–a 14-time NHRA Funny Car division champion. 2: Force blew her engine during a preseason run in January. 3: Force raced her father for the first time on April 29 in the first round of the NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta. 4: Where will you be 10 years from now?
