John Force ready to take PEAK Chevrolet
to Arizona Nationals winner’s circle
CHANDLER, Ariz. (Feb. 25) – Sixteen-time Funny Car champion John Force isn’t intimidated by starting from the No. 12 spot for the NHRA Arizona Nationals on Sunday at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park.

After all, the PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil/Republic Services Chevrolet Camaro SS driver is the all-time leader in Funny Car victories with 147, and he’s won from nearly every qualifying position.

Plus, Force has the most victories in Phoenix, eight, including a win from the No. 12 spot here in 1995.

“I’ve won races being No. 16,” Force said. “I don’t feel any different.”

Force’s best pass this weekend was 3.941 seconds at 313.15 mph, and he made another good pass of 3.964 seconds at 320.36 mph as crew chief Jimmy Prock and co-crew chief Chris Cunningham worked to improve the John Force Racing car.

“We’ve had four runs to learn how to race,” Force said. “Let’s take it to the starting line. That’s all we can do.”

Force will battle No. 5 qualifier Tim Wilkerson in the first round on Sunday. Wilkerson’s best pass was 3.852 seconds at 329.42 mph.

“Tomorrow’s a whole new ball game,” Force said. “Now, we find the tigers in the drivers, and we go after them.”

Force and Wilkerson have raced each other 54 times in their long careers, with Force holding a 36-18 edge. They raced here in Phoenix in the final round last season, with Wilkerson getting the win.

In addition to Force’s PEAK Chevy, John Force Racing drivers qualified No. 2 (Courtney Force) and No. 9 (Robert Hight) in Funny Car and No. 7 (Brittany Force) in Top Fuel.

“All the cars are in for our sponsors, PEAK, Auto Club, Advance Auto, Monster, Chevrolet,” Force said. “That’s what we need to do.”