The stat sheet: John Force - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Auto Racing Digest, August-Sept, 2002

(4.90)

In 1996, John Force became the first drag racer to break this once mythical mark when he lowered his own national record to 4.889 seconds, in Topeka. In the time since, he lowered the funny car record to 4.73 seconds in Reading, Pa., in 2001.

(11)

The number of NHRA titles earned by Force--including the most recent nine.

(28)

The number of different drivers Force defeated in his first 100 NHRA wins. His most frequent victim was Cruz Pedregon, whom he defeated on 16 different occasions.

(43)

In the closest race of Force's points title wins, he edged Ed McCulloch for the 1990 crown by this margin.

(66)

The number of attempts it took before Force claimed his first NHRA win. That victory finally took place on June 28, 1987 at the Molson Grandnational at St. Pie, Quebec, Canada, the only NHRA national event ever held outside of the United States. Force had finished in second place in nine consecutive events before defeating McCulloch for this victory.

(100)

In 2002, Force became only the third motor sports driver to hit this magical mark for career wins, joining NASCAR stars Richard Petty and David Pearson. This win also gave Force a victory in a record 16 consecutive seasons. Prior to Force, Bob Glidden held the drag racing record with 86 career wins and Don "the Snake" Prudhomme held the Funny Car record, with 36.

(325.14)

Speed, in mph, driven by Force in 2001 to break his own NHRA record. That mark was later eclipsed by Whit Bazemore (325.69 mph), the record holder through May 2002.

(1996)

Force's best season culminated in him becoming the first (and so far only) drag racer to be named American Driver of the Year.