Brittany Force Calls It Quits: A Legendary Career in NHRA Comes to an End!
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Brittany Force, the trailblazing Top Fuel driver, has officially announced her retirement from the NHRA after an illustrious 13-year career. The announcement comes after a disappointing turn of events at the In-N-Out Burger Dragway in Pomona, California, where heavy rain thwarted her bid to improve her standings in the championship. As the clouds gathered and the race weekend was cancelled, Force found herself holding onto her fourth-place position, but her legacy is far from dampened.
At just 39 years old, Brittany Force exits the scene as a true icon in the sport, boasting an unparalleled record as the most successful female Top Fuel driver in NHRA history. With an astonishing 19 Wally trophies and 40 final-round appearances under her belt, she has cemented her place in the annals of drag racing. But that’s not all—Force also holds the title of the quickest and fastest driver in NHRA history, recording a blistering 3.623-second run in 2019 that left spectators in awe. This season alone, she shattered the speed record four times, reaching a jaw-dropping 343.51 mph during the first round of eliminations at the US Nationals in September.
Reflecting on her retirement, Force took a moment to express her gratitude and positivity, despite the circumstances. “I always try to find the positive in everything,” she stated. “This weekend, with the event getting cancelled, I look back on Las Vegas, my last pass down the drag strip, we turned a win light on and ended up in the winner’s circle, so that’s where my focus is.” Her pride in her team was evident as she praised the entire John Force Racing crew for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. “Jack Beckman did an amazing job in the seat again this year and Austin Prock bringing home his second consecutive championship was amazing. Everybody under the John Force Racing umbrella gave it their all, and none of our achievements would have been possible without them.”
Brittany Force made her retirement public on September 12, 2025, revealing plans to shift her focus toward starting a family with her husband, Bobby Lyons Jr. “After dedicating the last 13 years of my life to the NHRA and to John Force Racing, I have made the difficult and bittersweet decision to step out of the seat of my Top Fuel dragster at the end of the season to try to start a family with my husband,” she confessed. “I’m thankful for such an amazing career and all the opportunities that came with it. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, including the NHRA, the fans, and all my sponsors, past and present. Thanks to Monster Energy, HendrickCars.com, Chevrolet, Cornwell Tools, PEAK, and Graham Rahal Performance for helping me compete at the highest level in the sport.”
As Brittany Force steps away from the cockpit, she leaves behind a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire future generations of female racers. Her journey has not only shattered glass ceilings but has also redefined what it means to be a champion in the world of motorsport. The NHRA will miss her fierce determination and extraordinary talent, but her impact on the sport will forever be felt. The question now looms—what’s next for this formidable competitor? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Brittany Force’s name will continue to echo in the hearts of fans and the history books of drag racing!
