One thing is for sure. When the gates open for the 48th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, the pits will be filled with the Force Clan. Like his father-in-law before him, Robert Hight now runs the entire operation having been promoted to team president two years ago. And, like his father-in-law before him, Hight will be looking to win the third round of the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Funny Car championship at Gainesville Raceway. In fact, they will be a slew of team members named Force or married to someone named Force getting the family's three Funny Car teams and one Top Fuel team ready to compete.
Patriarch John Force is unmatched in his 25-year career with 134 national wins and 15 NHRA Funny Car championships. But, when the 63-year-old Force climbs into PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS, he is bound to see some familiar faces at the line. Currently in 5th place in the points just 128 points back of points-leader Matt Hagan, Force will have to contend with son-in-law, Robert Hight in the Auto Club Chevy Camaro SS and daughter Courtney driving the Advance Auto Parts Chevy Camaro SS. Funny Car champion in 2009, Hight is currently 9th in points for the season but both dad and brother-in-law are chasing Courtney Force who holds 3rd place in Funny Car points.
Also behind the wheel for this year's event is Brittany Force. Somewhat the black sheep of the Force family, Brittany will be chasing Top Fuel points-leader Leah Pritchett. Driving the U.S. Army Dragster, Brittany Force trails Pritchett by 92 points going into the third round of this year's championship. Like Matt Hagan in the Funny Car division, Pritchett topped the podium in both season openers. Joining their loved ones in the pits are two more sisters Ashley Force Hood, president of John Force Entertainment, and Adria Force Hight, the company's CFO. One thing is certain; there is bound to be a member of the Force clan running somewhere up front at Gainesville.
