NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

In 2019 at Houston Raceway Park, the weekend belonged to John Force Racing in more ways than one. The team has enjoyed tremendous success at the track over the years, including Robert Hight’s first career win in Funny Car coming in Houston, John Force earning his 100th career win in 2002 at the facility, and Brittany Force winning in 2018 in Top Fuel, but the 2019 weekend was extra special.

Brittany’s 2018 victory came just weeks after her crash in Pomona to open the year, and she was just as impressive in 2019, picking up the No. 1 qualifier. Her dad, the 16-time world champ, joined her in the No. 1 spot in Funny Car, marking the first time the father-daughter Force combo qualified No. 1 at the same event. It also marked the first time a father and daughter both qualified No. 1 in an NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series event, adding a sweet bit of history to the accomplishment. 

"This sport brings me together with my children," the Force patriarch said at the time. "That's what I love about NHRA Drag Racing. We're one big family. But to have a moment with her, that her and I can share together, you really become a lot closer, believe it or not.

"They were all really close, the girls, with their mom. But as I raced, like I did with Ashley [Force-Hood], then with Courtney [Force], and now with Brittany, you get closer. So, something like this, it'll give us a moment of just looking at each other and me being proud of her.”

John couldn’t finish the job that weekend, but Brittany did, and she had company from a teammate as well, as John Force Racing enjoyed a memorable nitro sweep. Hight grabbed the Funny Car victory, making it the third time Hight and Brittany shared the winner’s circle together. It capped off another huge weekend for JFR and gave them one more reason to enjoy racing at Houston Raceway Park.

"All of John Force Racing was on a mission," Brittany said after her second straight win in Houston. "My dad and I were No. 1, the first time father and daughter have ever qualified No. 1 at an event. That's something very special my dad and I will share. We were looking for a win, but to be able to do it with Robert Hight by my side in that Auto Club car, that's pretty awesome."

Added Hight on that day: “We seem to do really well together in these circumstances.”

To purchase tickets to the final NHRA SpringNationals at Houston Raceway Park, call 281-383-7223 or visit www.HoustonRaceway.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general-admission areas with a paid adult.