Hi All!
I was going to wait until after the final round of the US Nationals tomorrow to report, but I had to say something about today.

John Force's comeback to the ranks from his previous state of "nitro lag" seemed to be miracle, a feat only a true Winner could achieve.  The old Force was back again, better than ever, ready to go, wide awake.  Crew chief  Austin Coil looked like he was back to his old self too and once again man and machine would become one to win the most prestigous race in NHRA.  Yes it all sounded great....2 weeks ago.

This week Force failed to qualify!  What the ...?  Things couldn't be any worse!
WRONG!  Do the words Skoal Showdown ring a bell?  That wonderful little race inside a race?  For lots of money and tons of credit and applause?  "Not qualify, not win Showdown."  Okay that's two amazing things, but not all.  Not only did Force throw down his gear in some sort of fit when he got out of his car, he didn't mention his sponsors, he cussed.  And the final straw??  He DIDN"T talk much!!    Maybe I should sell my green & white diecast collection now, while I can still get my some of my money back. 

Seriously though, daughter Ashley has been doing very well in her rookie year.  She hasn't won anything yet, but she is a contender for sure.  Proves drag racing is genetic.  Robert Hight also of the Force team has been doing quite well too.  At the risk of running the "Eric Medlen is watching" thing more into the ground than it already is.....I'm sure he would be quite proud of his team.  No word on the anger rating for the Warren Johnson team.....he failed to qualify as well.  Hmmm.....

More on the Funny Car front.  Jack Beckman DID win the Showdown and $100,000 finishing 1/100 of a second faster than teammate Ron Capps. 

I'll give you more tomorrow, with the Nationals results and more on the "Countdown".  I promise it won't be all funny car!!

Race On - Ladies & Gentlemen!!

-Nitro13