By Adam Carabine
John Force Racing teased a big announcement on Twitter/X earlier on Monday, January 15th, as they were set to release their driver lineup for 2024.
Coming as a shock to many, the announcement stated that three-time Funny Car world champion Robert Hight, who just so happens to also be the president of John Force Racing, would be taking the year off for health reasons.
In the release, Hight said: "I have to put my health first. Once this is resolved, I'll be back. I’ll be looking forward to racing again, I’m a competitor and can’t wait to get back to doing what I love."
Taking over duties in the Cornwell Tools/AAA Camaro SS Funny Car in 2024 is Austin Prock. Prock joined John Force Racing in 2017, and has been a regular Top Fuel Dragster driver for the team. In his statement, he said: "It's been a dream of mine to drive a Funny Car with my family, but this is not the way I hoped it would happen. It's bittersweet."
Hight continued: "I know Austin will do a great job in my place for Cornwell Tools, AAA, Chevy and all of the John Force Racing sponsors. I have no doubt he’ll win races.”
The 2024 Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series kicks off the 2024 season in Gainesville, Florida March 8th.
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