Brittany Force, ‘Queen of Speed,’ to retire after record-breaking season to start a family
Brittany Force, the two-time Top Fuel world champion known as “The Queen of Speed,” made headlines recently when she set the fastest run in NHRA history at 343.51 mph. However, just days after this impressive feat, Force announced her retirement at the end of the season to focus on starting a family. The 39-year-old drag racing star, who is the second of four daughters of 16-time champion John Force, tied with Shirley Muldowney for the most wins in Top Fuel history with 18 victories.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Force expressed her desire to transition into motherhood, following in the footsteps of her sisters who had to step away from racing to start families of their own. She emphasized the challenges faced by female racers in a male-dominated sport and the importance of family in her decision to retire.
Her decision comes at a time when fellow racer Leah Pruett, wife of NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart, announced her return to NHRA in 2026 after taking a break to start a family. Force, however, has not ruled out a possible return to racing in the future.
Force’s retirement marks the end of an era for John Force Racing, as it will be the first time a Force family member is not actively competing since John Force entered the drag racing scene in 1971. Despite stepping away from the sport, Force remains focused on finishing the season strong and pursuing her third world championship.
Reflecting on her career, Force expressed gratitude for the opportunities she had to drive for her father’s team and the accomplishments she achieved on the track. She acknowledged the support of her family and team members, who have become like family to her over the years.
As she looks ahead to the next chapter of her life, Force remains open to the possibility of returning to NHRA someday. With a degree in secondary education and a passion for drag racing, she believes she will always find a way to stay involved in the sport, whether as a driver or in another capacity.
In closing, John Force praised his daughter for her achievements and expressed confidence in her future endeavors. He highlighted her dedication to the sport and the impact she has had on NHRA drag racing, leaving a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
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