Courtney Force Houston preview

Force hoping to duplicate SC success in TAD at Houston

The last time Courtney Force raced down the ¼ mile track at Houston Raceway Park she was the last Force standing having just completed her fifth round of racing behind the wheel of her BrandSource sponsored Super Comp dragster. Had she been in the same category that day as her 14-time Funny Car champion father, John Force or TAD national event winning sister, Ashley Force she would have been in the winner’s circle with an extra round to spare.

Unfortunately for Ms. Force five rounds of racing in Super Comp does not translate into trip to the winner’s circle and a treasured Wally just a frantic ride on the back of a John Force piloted scooter to the cashier trailer as your dad joyously tells everyone he passes that his daughter was in the money.

With two full seasons of Super Comp under her belt the youngest drag racing Force has stepped up along with her sister Brittany to compete in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. They will share time behind the wheel of the Jerry Darien owned A/Fuel dragster and continue their driving education following the same tire marks as their sister Ashley, who moved up to the professional Funny Car ranks last season.

The transition has been one of limited expectations with a focus on doing things right and learning the basics along the way. Still the urge to get on the track and race is strong with Force.

“It has been a while since I raced at a national or divisional event so I am ready to get back in the dragster. I’ve had too many weeks off,” said the second year student at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, Calif., “I‘ve been going to class but I have also been mentally preparing to get back in the dragster. I just want to make sure I don’t lose a lot of the information I have already learned.”

Heading into the 21st annual O’Reilly Spring Nationals at Houston Raceway Park Force is looking to build on her early season success of qualifying for her first national event at the season opening CARQUEST Winternationals. She knows she still has a lot to learn but her attitude heading into Texas is one that is 100% pure Force.

“I’ve been going through my race routine. The last time I was in Houston I went five rounds in Super Comp so this weekend I would be happy with only going four rounds in my A/Fuel dragster,” said the optimistic former high school cheerleader.

Four rounds would mean her first trip to the winner’s circle and possibly a much longer scooter ride with her proud father.