Backstretch Motorsports

COMMERCE, Ga. – In a final round for the ages Ashley Force beat father John, becoming the first woman in NHRA history to win a national event in Funny Car at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Commerce, Ga.

Ashley faced father and NHRA legend John Force in the final round, driving her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang pass the iconic legend with a run of 4.837 at 320.36. Though John was competing in his 500th race and came within one round win of reaching 1,000, it was the younger Force who stood in the winner’s circle at the end of the event.

“I’m just happy to win an event,” said Force. “That was the main thing. Being a female, that’s exciting for the record books and everything, but my team, we just wanted to get our first win. To get it finally done here in Atlanta, we’re just a little bit relieved but so excited as well.”

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COMMERCE, Ga. – Cory McClenathan piloted his FRAM dragster to a 4.562 at 327.03 provisional low qualifying effort for what may be his first No. 1 qualifier of the season, 31st of his career and third at Atlanta Dragway.

“I think coming in here we knew the track was going to be a little on the green side,” said McClenathan. “They re-did the surface and did a good job with that. NHRA came in and did their stuff and it was great.”

Tim Wilkerson looked to continue his qualifying domination as he took the provisional No. 1 qualifier in Funny Car Friday at the 28th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals.

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FORCE BECOMES SECOND DRIVER TO REACH 500 EVENT MARK; ALSO POISED TO MAKE HISTORY AS FIRST TO REACH 1,000 ROUND WINS

COMMERCE, Ga. – In the late 1970s Tom McEwen was already “The Mongoose,” a fabled character in the Funny Car category with a fan base of his own.

That’s when he met a dreamer.

McEwen remembers John Force as the guy whose car was always on fire.

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