Ashley’s rise to the top level of competition in our sport could not have come at a better time for drag racing. In a world where sex still sells despite what some people may say, this move signifies the next big story in the auto racing world. The daughter of an already legendary competitor will not only be competing in the same class as her father but while he is still an active driver in the series and a legitimate threat to win his 15th world championship in ’07. I can only imagine the media hype surrounding the first time John and Ashley line up beside each other in eliminations. Or better yet imagine the attention our sport will gain from the first father vs. daughter final round in history. And one can only speculate as to how much of an impact it is going to have when Ashley finally breaks through for her first professional win.

Ashley has been groomed by some of the best teachers in the sport starting with her father, the single most dominant driver in the history of drag racing. But realizing that his business depends solely on his on track performance and availability to the fans, John took the approach of handing Ashley over to some of the most capable teachers in the industry. Ashley started out competing in the super comp ranks and was tutored by Frank Hawley at his drag racing school in California. Renowned as one of the best in the business Frank put Ashley through the paces behind the wheel of an Alcohol Funny Car. Knowing full well that her destiny was to drive a Fuel Funny Car, Ashley and John were forced to make a decision when it came time to move up to the alcohol ranks. The idea of running an Alcohol Funny Car was toyed with but later ruled out for several reasons. One of the major reasons was the fact that the routine you go through in an alcohol car as compared to a fuel car during a run, differ immensely from each other. The alcohol car leaves the line at roughly 6000 rpm while a fuel car leaves at an idle. There was also the issue of shifting the alcohol car as compared to the fuel car in which the clutch engages by timers throughout the course of the run and the driver basically mashes on the throttle to get the car from A to B. Also around the same time Ashley was considering the move up, one of the best A/Fuel dragster rides available was that of Jerry Darien and Ken Meadows. Well known for their teaching abilities and having had some accomplished drivers go through their program in the past such as Gary Scelzi and Morgan Lucas, this seemed like the perfect fit for Ashley. This would also give her the opportunity to learn a driving routine in the car that would transfer very easily in her transition to a Fuel Funny Car. Ashley experienced some success behind the wheel of this car and over three seasons in the Alcohol Dragster class she amassed five wins in nine final round appearances including a victory at the U.S. Nationals. She also shared the winners circle with her father at the season ending Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals becoming the first father-daughter combination to ever accomplish such a feat. During those three seasons behind the wheel of the Darien and Meadows A/Fuel car she never finished lower than seventh in the national point’s standings with a best finish of fourth in her first full season.

The crew chief on Ashley’s car will be long time John Force Racing team member Dean “Guido” Antonelli. Having been an employee of Force Racing for 12 years now, Antonelli has had the opportunity to learn from unquestionably the best crew chief in the business today, Austin Coil. Not only does Antonelli bring with him the knowledge he gained under Coil but he will provide a sense of calm for the newly formed team, including Ashley. She will be more comfortable in the car knowing that someone she grew up around is calling the shots. And as for the team, Antonelli knows exactly how John likes his operation run and should have no problem getting the new team into “game shape” in order to produce instant results on the track.

John said that the decision for Ashley to turn pro was made last season but that he was not going to announce anything until the proper funding was in place to run a first class operation. Long time John Force Racing marketing partner Castrol stepped up to the plate as the primary backer for Ashley’s new ride and was quickly followed by associate help from the Auto Club of Southern California, Brand Source, Mac Tools and Mach 1 Air Services. John and Ashley will campaign nearly matching Ford Mustangs next season with Ashley’s car sporting a white pallet with green trim and the Castrol GTX branding while John’s will have a green base with white trim flying the familiar “High Mileage” banner that suits his team so well.


 Ashley’s new ride for ’07 with John’s car in the background

During the press conference it was also revealed that the hit show Driving Force on the A&E Network will be back for a second season starting in the spring of 2007. John was quoted as saying “they have already filmed four episodes for next season”. This can only benefit our sport even more so with the education of Ashley being broadcast to thousands of non-drag racing spectators across North America. This show has given drag racing unprecedented exposure within non-racing demographics. Due to the reality television aspect of it, it is very appealing to people with no knowledge of our sport. There is no doubt that the Force’s have provided a whole new audience with a positive learning experience about our sport. The show gives a personal and sometimes heart wrenching look into the lives of a professional racing family and the Force’s have proved to be excellent role models for drag racing in the process.

For Ashley the next couple of months are definitely going to be a learning experience and perhaps provide time for reality to sink in? It’s not every day that you get the chance to sit behind the wheel of a Fuel Funny Car let alone be backed by one of the most successful and well funded teams in the business. No matter your opinion no this move, one thing is certain and that is that we all need to support this decision, for it will lead to the betterment of our sport which can only help everyone involved with drag racing in the future, regardless of gender.

Best of luck to Ashley on the great adventure she has ahead!