Who do you think? (5 Viewers)

[Butch]

Sadly John Force has admitted what most of us have known for over a year. That due to his TBI his driving days are over. No final tour! Love him or hate him he’s been the face of drag racing for over four decades as he oft refers to himself “the ole truck driver” he’s been vocal, loud, fast talking, rough, combatable at times, a husband, father, family man, employer, friend to many, fan favorite, mentor and above all one of the best if not the best funny car driver of all times as proven by his 16 time NHRA and 1 time AHRA championships.

Brittany Force was seen by many as the heir apparent to the throne. However the announcement that she is stepping back from driving to start a family ends all that.

It will be a sad day on March 5, 2026 when for the first time in decades there will not be a Force entered in the fuel classes.

As long as John is a team owner and attends the races the fans will always want an autograph, a picture with him or buy merchandise. For he is a living legend.

My question is which active driver will become the standard bearer for the sport? Who has the ability, personality, charisma both on and off track to become the one? Ashley, Prock, Stewart or ?

 

[you]

Well the great news is, years ago I already chose who the ‘standard bearer’ of the sport should be. Thank God I have the choice to decide who it should be and not who the media or people tell me it should be. But, back to your original question. It’s Clay and for too many reasons to type out on a phone keyboard. Not only a standard bearer driver, more importantly, a standard bearer person.

 

[Nunz]

I don't think we'll ever have another John Force type of situation, and by that I mean, Force's story has been 50+ years in the making. Just a unique personality combined with the whole rags to riches, American Dream, Rocky Balboa evolution. Just an amazing ride. I don't know if I can think of one individual who can become the sport's standard bearer. Having said that, I do believe we have a lot of great personalities that exhibit a ton of excitement and passion for the sport, along with some humor. One that comes to mind, who I don't think gets mentioned enough, is Dan Wilkerson. That kid, IMO, comes as close to giving a John Force type interview without trying to be John Force, as anybody out there. I think Antron does a fantastic job promoting and representing the sport, as does Capps.

 

[Chili]

We have many great people in our sport. If you ask a non fan who is a NHRA driver, John Force would be the answer. Now Tony Stewart has a chance to become that answer. On the ESPN app yesterday, I got a pop up about Stewart racing for another team in 2026. There is never a mention of anyone else in the sport unless there is a tragic accident.

 

[Dennis]

We have many great people in our sport. If you ask a non fan who is a NHRA driver, John Force would be the answer. Now Tony Stewart has a chance to become that answer.

This.

Sometime last year I had a race on TV when my wife's aunt stopped by. I don't even know if she's ever been to a race of any kind before, but they were interviewing Tony Stewart after a run and she looked and said "Isn't that..." while doing that snapping of the fingers thing when you're trying to remember a name.

I said "Tony Stewart" and she said "oh yeah I didn't know he drove those type of cars."

I do think Tony Stewart is the best thing NHRA has going for them right now.

 

[none]

It will be interesting to see how and where Tony transitions out the TF ride .........

 

[stitcherbob]

As much as I want to see John drive something again (maybe a Camaro or a Challenger like Garlits did?).... I will be grateful to see him at the races and hopefully be active as long as Garlits, The Greek, Prudhomme and even Isky.

 

[James]

As much as I want to see John drive something again (maybe a Camaro or a Challenger like Garlits did?).... I will be grateful to see him at the races and hopefully be active as long as Garlits, The Greek, Prudhomme and even Isky.

I see Force as a nitro or nothing guy, but could be totally wrong

 

[Nunz]

Problem is, stepping into a slower car isn't really an option for John if head injuries are what's retiring him. You can hit the wall in a FSS car too.

 

[GumbyWVU]

Well the great news is, years ago I already chose who the ‘standard bearer’ of the sport should be. Thank God I have the choice to decide who it should be and not who the media or people tell me it should be. But, back to your original question. It’s Clay and for too many reasons to type out on a phone keyboard. Not only a standard bearer driver, more importantly, a standard bearer person.

Yep a very good case can be made for Clay. Standard bearer person indeed.

Beckman comes to mind if he continues to drive. Same for Doug Kalitta. Maybe Greg Anderson too (why not a non-nitro driver?). All four have the tenure and that gravitas to check the boxes.

 

[aakar]

It has been reported from up above that the John Force mold was a one time custom cast.
There will be no replacement, however the sport will be in great hands with a multitude of wonderful personalities to keep it going for a long time