Austin Prock’s victory at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals wasn’t just a return to form—it was a declaration. It signaled that he’s not just a temporary contender, but a long-term force in the Funny Car division
With talent, heart, and the wisdom of legends behind him, Prock is charting a course that could someday see him mentioned in the same breath as the greats of the sport.
As the NHRA tour rolls on, one thing is clear: the spirit of John Force isn’t just alive—it’s accelerating full throttle in the next generation.
John Force’s dual victory weekend is more than just a statistic—it’s a testament to what passion, perseverance, and purpose can achieve.
As he stood victorious in Phoenix and watched his teammate win in Las Vegas, Force wasn’t just celebrating a win.
He was celebrating a lifetime of racing, a team effort, and a future that looks just as bright as his past.
Also Read: Richard Childress Racing Shocks Fans with Kasey Kahne’s Bold New Paint Scheme and Podcast
Table of Contents
Austin Prock’s Victory Marks a Turning Point in the 2024 NHRA Season
The 2024 NHRA season has brought with it high drama, tight races, and standout performances, but none quite as emotional and significant as Austin Prock’s recent win at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.1
After snapping a four-race winless streak, Prock climbed back into the winner’s circle with a gritty and determined effort that showcased not just driving talent, but leadership, team unity, and the enduring legacy of drag racing legend John Force.
A Slump Broken in Spectacular Style
Going into Las Vegas, Prock had been chasing a win since last year, carrying the weight of a four-race drought.
That dry spell was officially broken when he clinched his 13th career NHRA national event victory—his ninth in Funny Car—at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 13.
“It was an ugly win,” Prock admitted to reporters after the race. “But if the win light keeps coming on, I don’t give a crap.” It was a refreshingly honest take on a weekend that wasn’t always pretty, but was effective.
Prock fought hard through every round, leaned on his team, and emerged victorious in a sport where fractions of seconds separate champions from contenders.
John Force’s Enduring Influence on the Track
Throughout his post-race comments, Prock made sure to recognize the man whose name is synonymous with Funny Car success—John Force. The 16-time champion and team owner of John Force Racing (JFR) has been both a mentor and a source of inspiration for Prock since his entry into the professional ranks.
“I just love having John Force out at the racetrack,” Prock said. “It just gasses you up every time. He told me he was proud of me this week and that means a lot.”
That statement reflects more than just respect—it speaks to the emotional connection and cultural spirit that Force has instilled in his drivers and crew. Even when he’s not behind the wheel, Force’s presence looms large, acting as a motivational engine for his entire team.
Austin Prock: The Rise of the “Prock Rocket”
Nicknamed the “Prock Rocket,” Austin has become a rising star in the NHRA world. But his journey has been anything but straightforward.2
Starting his professional career in 2019 as a Top Fuel driver for JFR, Prock only competed in 16 races before claiming his first national event victory.
That kind of early success gave fans and experts a glimpse of his potential, and since then, he’s been steadily rising through the ranks.
His transition to Funny Car might have come with growing pains, but as his Las Vegas performance proved, he’s not only adapting—he’s thriving.
Dominance in Every Round
Prock didn’t just win; he controlled the race from start to finish.
Qualifying second for the event, he immediately made a statement in quad one, defeating veterans Cruz Pedregon, Ron Capps, and Jason Rupert with a solid 285.53 mph run.
In quad two, he stepped it up again, posting a blazing 322.88 mph to edge out Dave Richards, Pedregon (again), and Spencer Hyde.
Those back-to-back wins propelled him into the final round, where he sealed the deal in commanding fashion.
A Historic Milestone Achieved
With this victory, Prock achieved a rare feat—becoming only the 19th driver in NHRA history to win national events in both Top Fuel and Funny Car.
That dual-class success places him among an elite group of versatile drivers who’ve proven themselves across different NHRA categories.
Considering how technical and finely-tuned each class is, it’s a testament to Prock’s adaptability, instincts, and racing IQ.
Not many drivers can claim success in both categories, and even fewer can say they did it within such a short span of time.
Austin Prock: Team Unity
The Hidden Weapon of JFR
While Prock is the face behind the wheel, he’s quick to acknowledge the collective effort of the John Force Racing crew.3
“I’m so proud of this JFR team,” he said, echoing a sentiment that is often repeated among successful NHRA teams.
From the engineers and crew chiefs to the pit crew and support staff, drag racing is as much about the team as it is about the driver.
Prock’s post-race gratitude showed that he understands that dynamic well. Every race won is a shared victory.
Learning from the Best
Having someone like John Force as a mentor gives Prock access to a wellspring of experience and wisdom.
Force’s uncanny ability to read races, understand car behavior, and motivate his drivers has long been his calling card. And as Prock matures as a driver, those lessons are beginning to pay dividends.
Whether it’s car setup advice, mental preparation, or simply the belief instilled by Force’s presence, Prock has tapped into a unique resource that’s helped shape his career trajectory.
What’s Next for Austin Prock?
With a major win under his belt and momentum on his side, the rest of the 2024 NHRA season looks wide open for Prock. His confidence is high, his team is firing on all cylinders, and the synergy within JFR seems stronger than ever.
The next challenge will be maintaining consistency. Funny Car competition is notoriously unpredictable, and the margins for error are razor-thin. But if Las Vegas was any indication, Prock is prepared for the pressure—and hungry for more.
A Win Beyond the Trophy
While the statistics will show this as just another race victory, for Austin Prock and John Force Racing, this was something deeper.
It was a sign that the torch is being passed—not just in terms of driving talent, but in team culture, resilience, and legacy.
John Force, now more of a guiding presence than a competing one, continues to shape the sport through the people he mentors.
Prock’s words and performance are proof of that impact. And if the “Prock Rocket” continues to rise, the legend of John Force Racing will remain not only intact but stronger than ever.
Also Read: Steve O’Donnell Unveils NASCAR’s Global Expansion Strategy
Austin Prock: The Rain-Delayed Winternationals
From Pomona to Phoenix
Originally set to conclude in Pomona, California, the Lucas Oil Winternationals faced unexpected delays due to rain, with the final round postponed and later rescheduled for Phoenix, Arizona.
Rather than fade from memory, the event took on new life in the desert, offering drivers a rare second chance to claim glory. And John Force, with his decades of racing experience, seized the opportunity.
Driving the PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, Force blazed down the track with trademark tenacity, clinching victory and marking an important moment in what’s already shaping up to be an exciting NHRA season.
The Las Vegas 4-Wide Nationals: Passing the Torch?
While Force was basking in his Saturday win, another member of John Force Racing, Austin Prock, stole the spotlight at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals on Sunday.
Prock’s victory is significant for many reasons: not only does it show the strength and depth of the JFR team, but it also hints at a future where the next generation continues the dynasty that Force built.
This symbolic baton pass adds emotional depth to the weekend. One day, the legend takes the win; the next, his protégé and team driver claims victory. For Force, the success of his team is as meaningful as his own.
The Man Behind the Helmet: Who Is John Force?
John Force is more than just a driver; he’s a cultural figure in motorsports. Born in 1949, Force has built a career that spans over four decades, collecting over 150 event wins and 16 Funny Car championships along the way. His longevity in a sport defined by speed and split-second decisions is nothing short of incredible.
But beyond the numbers lies a man who built an empire from humble beginnings. Known for his charismatic interviews, tireless work ethic, and unrelenting love for drag racing, Force helped popularize the sport for mainstream audiences.
John Force Racing isn’t just a name—it’s a family operation rooted in Yorba Linda, California, where Force resides with his wife, Laurie, and their children. The team headquarters is also based there, making it not just a place of residence but a hub of innovation and strategy.
Depending on his schedule, Force also stays in Bell Gardens, allowing him flexibility in managing the logistics of a demanding race calendar. Whether at home or at the track, Force remains deeply involved in every facet of his team’s operations.
Austin Prock: The Legacy Lives On
Family and the Future
What sets Force apart from other champions is his commitment to family and mentorship.
Several of his children, including Courtney and Brittany Force, have taken part in NHRA competition, carrying the family name forward with pride.
John Force Racing also emphasizes youth development, bringing in talented drivers like Austin Prock to ensure the team remains competitive even after Force eventually steps away from full-time racing.
This dual focus on excellence and legacy positions JFR as more than a racing team—it’s a dynasty in the making.
Weekend of Momentum: What This Means for 2025
With a solid win at Phoenix and a strong showing from Austin Prock in Las Vegas, the momentum for John Force Racing is building early in the 2025 NHRA season. Confidence, however, must be matched with consistency.
Force understands this better than anyone. “Every win counts, but it’s about keeping your head down and doing the work week after week,” he has often said.
With his car performing well and the team firing on all cylinders, Force may be looking at a season that could defy expectations once again.
View this post on Instagram
The Competition Ahead: A Field Full of Fire
Despite the early wins, Force knows that the NHRA Funny Car field is stacked with talent. From veterans to hungry young guns, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Drivers like Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, and Bob Tasca III remain formidable rivals.
But Force thrives in this environment. It’s this exact mix of competition, unpredictability, and adrenaline that has kept him in the game for decades.
Ask any longtime NHRA fan and they’ll likely have a John Force story. From his fiery interviews on national TV to his epic comebacks, Force has always made himself available—not just as a racer but as a people’s champion.
His connection with fans is genuine, and it’s one reason why his popularity hasn’t waned even after 40+ years.
In many ways, Force helped elevate the NHRA from a niche motorsport to a broader cultural phenomenon. Whether through merchandise, media appearances, or mentorship, he’s done as much outside the car as inside it.
Also Read: Hailie Deegan and Ford: The Partnership That’s Shaping NASCAR’s Future and Giveaway
