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NHRA star Brittany Force has announced her retirement after the 2025 season to focus on starting a family. Aged 39, Force’s storied drag racing career holds several highlights, including her most recent NHRA Top Fuel world speed record at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
Known as the ‘The Queen of Speed,’ Force went 343.51 mph, breaking her previous record of 343.16 mph set in Sonoma in July. She is also the first to do 10 runs exceeding 340 mph since April this year. No driver has reached that speed ceiling before the 2025 season. Force boasts a staggering 18 wins, the highest in Top Fuel, equaling Shirley Muldowney’s tally.
Force comes from a family with a rich drag racing history. She is the second of the four daughters of racing legend John Force, a 16-time champion. She has raced for John Force Racing throughout her career, and now, she is ready to begin a new chapter in her life. Speaking to The Associated Press about her decision to retire from NHRA, she said:
“It’s something that as a female in NHRA drag racing that has always been in the back of my mind. I watched my sisters get into the scene and have their careers and then ultimately had to make the decision to step out so they can try to start a family.
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“Ashley has two little boys, Courtney has two little girls and has a third on the way. Because of that, it’s always been in the back of my mind because being a female in the sport, it is definitely more of a challenge.”
However, Force isn’t ruling out a return to NHRA in the future. She added:
“What we get to do is awesome. I’m very proud to be able to drive this car, work with this team and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish.
“I love the sport, I love NHRA drag racing, I’ve grown up around it. I dedicated the last 13 years to the sport, so I am not closing the door on driving in the future. That’s definitely a decision for further down the road once I get there.”
Speaking about her NHRA retirement, John Force said:
“I’m really proud of Brittany and all she has accomplished throughout her career. She’s won races, set countless records, and captured two World Championships.
“Her presence in this sport will be greatly missed. Although she’s stepping out of the seat at the end of the year, her focus is still firmly set on winning the championship and ending this season strong for all her sponsors.
“Her mom, Laurie, and all her sisters are proud, as well, and we’re all looking forward to seeing what the next chapter of her life holds.”
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