Force back in Force

Firebird Raceway, Phoenix, AZ- John Force is back on track, running the fastest time of the session, a 4.782 1/4 mile time in NHRA time trials on Monday, beating out fellow racer Ron Capps by 0.004 second. At 327.51 MPH, it's clear that the crash that sidelined Force during some of the 2007 season hasn't changed his winning ways. "We didn't know what we had," Force said. "We thought the new car would be good, but we didn't know. We still have a lot of work to do, but that was a good boost for this team."

As proof of Force's recovery, the NHRA-mandated safety rule requiring drivers to be able to exit their car through the roof hatch was satisfied. "It ain't pretty, but I can do it," Force said. The Castrol GTX Mustang Funny car sports a new Murf McKinney chassis this year, a big change from the heat-treated chassis from the old car, which is largely blamed for Force's crash.

It's good to have you back, Mr. Force.

via: AutoWeek, NHRA