Advance Auto Parts driver Courtney Force ready to put Phoenix race weekend in rear-view mirror
CHANDLER, Ariz. (Feb. 25) – Courtney Force is ready to put Sunday’s NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park behind her and focus on an upcoming test and then the Gatornationals.

Force, the No. 2 qualifier for Sunday’s race, suffered a disappointing first-round exit against No. 15 qualifier Jim Campbell. Force said her Advance Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro SS shook at the start, and while she tried to pedal the car, Campbell had already gotten through the lights. It marked Force’s first opening-round loss in five races, and the first loss against Campbell, who eventually made it to the semifinals.

“Not exactly how we wanted to be leaving Phoenix,” Force said. “I’m really proud of my Advance Auto Parts team. We definitely have a fast race car and definitely missed out on a little bit of luck that first round this time. Our car shook hard so I had to get out of it. I tried pedaling it, but Campbell was already through the lights at that time. Ready to put this weekend behind us and focus on testing tomorrow, and I’m really excited to get back out to the track in Gainesville, Fla.”

Force now sits third in the Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car with 140 points.

“We definitely have a great thing over here with our team and I’m really excited for this season,” Force said. “We have a fast hotrod; we just have to focus on the consistency of it and go rounds in Florida to make up for what we lost out on here.”

Teammate John Force, in the PEAK Motor Oil & Coolant/Republic Services Chevrolet Camaro SS, also dropped out in the opening round, while her other teammate, Robert Hight, advanced to the quarterfinals in the Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS. Sister Brittany Force was a finalist in the Top Fuel category, driving the Monster Energy dragster.

Force returns to action for the NHRA Gatornationals on March 17-19 at Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla.