NHRA legend Force chases win No. 150

MORRISON» Growing up, John Force spent much of his free time in his 1955 Chevy in an attempt to escape being stuck in his family’s Los Angeles trailer home with five siblings.

“You lived in the car,” said Force, who began racing recreationally in high school. “It’s where you kept your girlfriend’s pictures and your school books and your football helmet.”

Force, now 70, still practically lives in his car. But a lot has changed since his humble beginnings. He’s the winningest driver in the National Hot Rod Association with 149 wins. The 16time funny car series champion won his last race at Bandimere Speedway, where he became the first to reach 300 mph in 1998. This weekend at the 40th Dodge Mile-High Nationals, he’s back at Thunder Mountain, in pursuit of win No. 150.

Following Friday’s two qualifying sessions, Force stands fourth in funny car with a pass at 4.051 seconds and a top speed of 305.70 mph. Cruz Pedregon (4.002, 317.42) holds the division’s provisional pole heading into Saturday’s final two qualifying sessions.

The other No. 1 provisional qualifiers were Steve Torrence (top fuel, 2.787, 330.31), Greg Anderson (pro stock, 6.980, 196.30) and Andrew Hines (pro stock motorcycle, 7.232, 186.20). Torrence’s top speed is a new track record.

Sterling native Deric Kramer (6.981, 196.04) is just a smidge behind Anderson — the defending event pro stock winner — and has the speed to produce his second-consecutive No. 1 qualifying position.

The sport Force loves has tried to take him out several times. Last year, he crashed four times in a five-month span. First, he had to go to the hospital after wiping out at Pomona Raceway; the next day, he was back on the track. Next came crashes at races in Phoenix, Gainesville, Fla., and Chicago.

Injuries forced him to learn to drive with one hand temporarily and wear custom-made braces for his arms to allow him to steer. Force couldn’t step away from the track, though.

“I’ve always believed living on the edge will make you win,” Force said. “I’ve won a lot of championships that way. I ain’t really gonna slow down … I’m really loving it.”

Force says he’ll be around for at least three to five more years.