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No one has enjoyed more drag racing success at the professional level at Infineon Raceway than John Force.
It only seems natural that Force, who is the all-time leader in championships (14) and victories (123) on the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series, is also the all-time winner at Infineon Raceway.
The raceway will celebrate its 20th anniversary of NHRA drag racing in 2007 at the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals, July 27-29, and Force has played a huge role in the raceway’s drag racing history.
The Yorba Linda resident holds the record for career victories in the Sonoma Valley with six, and he is one of just two drivers to win three consecutive titles at Infineon Raceway — the other being Doug Kalitta in Top Fuel (1998-2000).
Force’s victories came in 1990-1992, 1994, 2000 and 2002. He has also reached 10 final rounds in Sonoma in 19 events (track record). Force was honored for his efforts in 2006 by being inducted into the Infineon Raceway Wall of Fame.
“We’ve had some great history in Sonoma, ” Force said. “Every win is memorable there. Getting inducted into the Wall of Fame will always be memorable, but mostly Eric Medlen’s victory last year in Sonoma will be the most memorable because of what happened last March. For Eric to win on his home track was special then and it’s even more special now. ”
It was also special for Force in 2001, when he hopped in a bulldozer to help turn a page in the history of Infineon Raceway. After the finals were completed, Force and Gary Scelzi drag raced two bulldozers down the quarter-mile, tearing up the strip in the process. The race signified the start of a multi-million dollar modernization plan for the drag strip that has transformed it into one of the fastest and quickest in the country.
“Yeah, me and Scelzi had a big time on those bulldozers. That was a big step because the track evolved, ” Force said. “It went from a finesse track to a performance track. It used to be a big challenge just to go from A to B, but for me that was fun because you really had to drive your old race car. It is a state-of-the-art facility now. I love all the Bruton Smith tracks. (Track president) Steve Page and the guys do a great job out there. ”
Force will also be out here once again in 2007, entertaining race fans, as well as taking win lights. He’s looking forward to the 20th anniversary of drag racing in the Sonoma Valley.
“I love that track and I can’t wait to get out there again. They fans are wild but they’ve always been respectful, ” he said. “It’s a great crowd that’s had a chance to see the track evolve along with the racers. ”
