John Force Racing has confirmed a multi-year contract extension with Old World Industries which includes the primary sponsorship of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet SS. This incorporates Jack Beckman’s full-time return to the track for the first time since 2020, where he will compete in the Funny Car category of the NHRA 2025 season.
Following a serious crash in June 2024 that left team founder John Force with a traumatic brain injury, Beckman was called to step in for the legendary racer. He secured two victories during Force’s absence and advancing to the final rounds three times, closing the season as the runner-up in the series points tally, closely trailing his teammate Austin Prock.
Old World Industries, the parent company of PEAK and BlueDEF, has been an integral part of NHRA partnerships since 2013. Brian Bohlander, Director of Sports Marketing at OWI commented on the extension:
“The last eight races we saw that the NHRA is definitely better for having Jack Beckman back in the driver’s seat.
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“We’re excited to have John, Jack, and the entire JFR organization representing the PEAK and BlueDEF brands for years to come.Jack has done a tremendous job, on and off the track, and has earned this opportunity to race full time for the championship.”
Beckman brings an impressive list of achievements to his renewed role. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and cancer survivor who also has experience as an instructor at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, where he trained of over 7,000 students. Beckman has clinched 37 NHRA national event wins, with 35 coming from the Funny Car category, earning him titles such as NHRA Super Comp Champion in 2003 and Funny Car Champion in 2012.
Beckman commented:
“I am thrilled to continue a partnership with PEAK and BlueDEF and look forward to returning to JFR in 2025.
“As a car enthusiast, I believe in using the best products available for both personal and professional applications. PEAK and BlueDEF products are trusted for our support vehicles and haulers, ensuring reliability and performance.”
John Force confirmed that he is not ready to get back in the driver’s seat after his crash, explaining:
“Beckman’s doing the job for PEAK and BlueDEF. I’m still going to therapy every week and working as hard as I can to get back out there with the sponsors and the fans in a sport I love and I miss. I’ve still got a lot of things I want to do, so I don’t want anybody thinking they’ve seen the last of John Force. We’ll have a lot more to talk about after the holidays.”
