New Faces Lead John Force Racing into New Era

Rookie Maddi Gordon stuns Top Fuel field, and Andersons go head-to-head at NHRA Gatornationals

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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For the first time since 1976, John Force Racing will compete in the 2026 NHRA drag racing season without a person possessing the last name Force in at least one of the organization's cars. The team's new lineup consists of Josh Hart in Top Fuel and Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria, and Jordan Vandergriff in Funny Car. Meanwhile, 23-year-old rookie Maddi Gordon made a splash in her Top Fuel debut, upsetting several veteran drivers before being eliminated in the semifinals. Elsewhere, six-time Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson faced off against his 27-year-old son Cody in the quarterfinals.

Why it matters

The changing of the guard at John Force Racing represents the end of an era, as the Force family has been a dominant force in NHRA Funny Car racing for decades. The emergence of new talent like Maddi Gordon also signals a shift in the sport, with young drivers looking to make their mark. The Anderson father-son matchup is a rare occurrence in NHRA Pro Stock, adding an intriguing personal storyline to the competition.

The details

John Force, the 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion, officially retired in November 2025 after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a crash in 2024. His daughter Ashley Force Hood stepped away from driving in 2010, while Courtney Force and Brittany Force also recently announced their retirements to pursue other opportunities and start families. This year, John Force Racing's lineup consists of Josh Hart in Top Fuel and Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria, and Jordan Vandergriff in Funny Car. In the season-opening Gatornationals, Hart won the Top Fuel final, while DeJoria lost in the Funny Car final. Rookie Maddi Gordon, the 23rd woman to qualify a Top Fuel dragster, had a fairytale debut, upsetting several veteran drivers before being eliminated in the semifinals. In the Pro Stock class, six-time champion Greg Anderson faced off against his 27-year-old son Cody in the quarterfinals.

  • In June 2024, John Force suffered a traumatic brain injury in a 300-mph crash at Richmond, Virginia.
  • On November 13, 2025, John Force officially retired from NHRA racing.
  • At the 2026 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, Josh Hart won the Top Fuel final, and Alexis DeJoria lost in the Funny Car final.

The players

John Force

A 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion who officially retired in November 2025 after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a crash in 2024.

Maddi Gordon

A 23-year-old rookie driver who made a splash in her Top Fuel debut at the 2026 Gatornationals, upsetting several veteran drivers before being eliminated in the semifinals.

Greg Anderson

A six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion who faced off against his 27-year-old son Cody in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Gatornationals.

Cody Anderson

The 27-year-old son of six-time NHRA Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson, who competed against his father in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Gatornationals.

Josh Hart

The new Top Fuel driver for John Force Racing, who won the Top Fuel final at the 2026 Gatornationals.

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What they’re saying

“I heard him pull the tires loose, and I seriously said, 'Holy … something' inside the car, and we were going good. Man, this is what dreams are made of! This is amazing!”

— Maddi Gordon

“I didn't know that in two years off, no matter how much I practiced, I have developed an unideal pedal down movement. Moving forward, I've got a lot of work to do in the next two weeks, getting ready for Phoenix, which I'm excited about. Excited about the work because I know something objectively that I need to do different.”

— Leah Pruett

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.