What Fuels John Force?
Written by Jory Elliott · June 13, 2006
This past weekend at the 9th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Nationals held at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois, John Force padded his stats with his record setting 120th career victory. Aside from the fact that this record quite possibly will never be touched again in the history of drag racing is that he has achieved every single one of those victories with the same man turning the wrenches on his hot rods. Austin Coil has made his career behind the scenes at John Force Racing and has given Force the opportunity to win each and every time he suits up on race day.
Austin Coil could be considered the best crew chief to tune an automobile in the history of motor sports. This man has endured the ages of drag racing simply getting better and better every step of the way. Coil could be compared to any of the greatest crew chiefs or coaches of all time across any sport. His win to loss record speaks for itself and his multiple championships at the highest level of his sport are unparalleled by any other crew chief or bench boss in the world.
Austin Coil is a pioneer of sorts in an industry that has seen its fair share of innovative thinkers come and go over the years. His need for massive amounts of data in order to be the most prepared pit boss out there is incomparable. Coil’s ability to take a man in John Force, who was for the lack of a better term a “wild child” and turn him into the most decorated driver in the history of drag racing is nothing short of remarkable. His endurance and long lasting relationship with Force is a true testament to his devotion, commitment and passion for what he does.
Sure there have been others that have achieved some of the sports biggest performance milestones but none has had the longevity and outright success that Austin Coil has with one team. He is a true leader in our sport and is the man behind the scenes that has turned John Force into one of the most recognized faces in North American if not International motor sports competition.
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5 Responses to “What Fuels John Force?”
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The thing I love about John Force is the unmannered joy he seems to have in his rides. It says a lot about Coil that his driver has been able to retain that high level of enthusiasm for a lifetime.
Nice article. Enjoyed it very much.
Thanks.
Allan
John Force is the best thing that’s ever happened to drag racing. He might be more than enough to take, day in and day out but the marketing value is as valuable as anything else he’s given.
John actually shows the quality of individual involved in drag racing. This is a motorsport unlike any other with a personal touch unsurpassed in sports.
I think what John did on Sunday by finally giving his wife a Wally speaks volumes about John Force!
I have been a force fan for 10 years.I went sat. to see him.I am really starting to think breathing the fuel has ate his lungs up.If you watch him and listen to him in interviews he is gasping for air.I watched him sitting on his scooter at the starting line,he coughed for 3 minutes straight.I think his days are numbered.Thanks DOUG
I do not know if this is the right email address to reach John Force - if not, please forward it on to him. I was a John Force fan for years but since your TV show I have a very different opinion of you. You were always mouthy and throwing tantrums but when you put down your wife and daughters, that upsets me. I know what it feels like, my exhusband treated me like dirt for years; seems like some men like to consider their close family members as people they can dominate and complain about. Last night’s show - when your daughter won her first race - she offered her first pay cheque to help pay for the uncle’s truck. John, where is your head??? You should have thanked her but also told her “no thanks” as it is her first pay cheque and she can use it on herself. That was your daughters very own accomplishment and I am sure you really needed it to help pay for that vehicle!!! We both know you did not need any money from the girls (or wife) to help pay for the truck. You do not teach anyone lessons by taking money from them when they too know what you are worth. It is your job to see that they never have to want for anything in their lives -but do it without holding anything over their heads; also keep your nose out of their lives when they are dating, getting married, etc.- be in the shadows if needed;only give advice/opinion when asked. As far as the trailer you were raised in - well, there are people in this world today who would jump at the chance to have something like that to live in. I myself was raised on a small farm in a shack (no power, water, telephone) but it was the best my parents could afford back then. Do not keep dwelling on your hard times - you did not have hard times when compared to what people are dealing with today. I am very disappointed with you - please look into taking angry management courses or whatever is available to help you appreciate your wife and girls. I was happy to see that your wife did not spend the night in your house - she is a very smart woman who has done an excellent job raising the girls and supporting your racing. It will take more than one night out to make up for your abuse over the years. Also, she does not appear to be wasteful with money - something you should be very thankful for. There are a lot of rich men who have wives who are with them only for their money (I am sure you even know some). Oh, by the way, your whining about wanting boys - it’s the male sperm that predicts the sex of a baby; very fortunate that you did not have any sons - they would never be able to measure up to your high demands! I raised a son and 2 daughters. The oldest being a son was put down continually by his dad “you have to be a doctor or lawyer” so much so that he has been living on social assistance for the past 22 years - tried suicide a couple of times. Parents cannot tell their children what to do - not everyone is cut out to be what we would like them to be. My son is now able to deal with his dad (he was 48 this year and never married). My ex had grade 6 but got into welding and excelled at that - making good money. He wouldn’t let me keep my government office job so when he moved out I had nothing to live off - but I am a survivor and did several jobs from home - office work, babysitting, etc. and now on minimum pension. This is rather a long note but John, you upset me for the way you talk to your wife and girls. If the girls turn against you some day, you will have only yourself to thank. Money does not buy happiness - and upon leaving this world it will do no good to take it with you. Think before you say anything!
Sincerely, Wilma