At 10:30 am PST today, drag racer extraordinaire John Force is announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with Chevrolet as he attempts a 17th win of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series championship. He will be driving a Chevrolet Camaro funny car.
Two key sponsors − Castrol and Ford − announced at the end of the 2013 race season that they would not continue into 2015. Castrol and Ford had been supporters for 30 and 20 years, respectively, when they both said they would no longer sponsor the drag-racing great. Force announced last spring that Peak Anti-freeze would be the Castrol replacement, with Lucas Oil joining towards the end of the 2014 racing season, but nothing was said about an automobile manufacturer.
Force had said he wanted a company that built cars in the U.S., which left him with Chevrolet, Dodge, and Toyota. While Chevrolet has been active in Pro Stock, it’s been awhile since the brand has had a presence in Funny Car.
“It is great to be back with Chevrolet. I started my career in a Chevy and my plan is to keep racing with them for many years to come. This is a great American company and we are excited about the opportunities in front of us,” said John Force.
Comments
Great news and the new body looks a lot more aerodynamic than the Mustang.
I had heard he was coming at work through my NHRA guys. I am glad to see him back. While ratings in NHRA are not great nearly anyone alive knows John as he get the word out for his sponsors, wins and entertains all at one time.
I have met him a few times and got to talk to him at his shop a couple years ago. He is a great guy and is back in form again after some really challenging years.
He is one racer that is worth the price of sponsorship.
Hell my 80 year old mom knows who he is and she only knows who a few racers are.
My racing heros have been Pierson, Yunick, Foyt, Earnhardt, Gurney, Garlits and Force.
Note Dan will always be the king. He did it all and with so much class
when you lose ford fans ,things start going down hill i,v noticed