John Force Racing Stuns NHRA World with Major Signing as Brittany Force Steps Away.
In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NHRA drag racing community, John Force Racing (JFR) has officially announced the signing of two-time Top Fuel event winner Josh Hart on a multi-year deal. The announcement comes shortly after Brittany Force, one of the team’s leading drivers and a two-time NHRA Top Fuel World Champion, revealed her plans to step back from full-time racing at the end of the current season to focus on starting a family.
This move signals the beginning of a new chapter for John Force Racing—one that blends its tradition of excellence with a renewed focus on future success.
A New Era for John Force Racing
Josh Hart, who made his NHRA debut in 2011 and launched his own independent team in 2021, has long been seen as one of the most composed and talented drivers in the sport. Now, his transition to JFR marks a defining step in his racing career.
“I’ve always said that ‘Anything’s possible’, and this opportunity proves that,” Hart said in a statement following the announcement. “I want to thank John Force and everyone at John Force Racing for opening this door for me. No one can replace Brittany Force or what she has meant to both the team and the sport. She’s an icon in drag racing, and following in her footsteps is an honor.”
Hart acknowledged that while he’s operated independently for years, joining one of the sport’s most legendary teams will take his performance to new heights. “Running my own program for five seasons taught me a lot,” he continued. “But this move is about learning from the very best. John Force Racing is the most successful drag racing organization in NHRA history, and my goal is to keep that winning tradition alive—by learning, growing, and ultimately capturing Top Fuel championships for this team.”
John Force Praises Hart’s Dedication and Business Acumen
JFR’s founder and CEO, John Force, a 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion and one of the sport’s most respected figures, expressed great enthusiasm about the new addition to his team.
“I’ve been talking to Josh for quite some time,” Force said. “Every conversation just made sense. He’s not only a talented racer—he’s a family man and a businessman, and that fits perfectly with what we’re building at John Force Racing.”
Force went on to praise Hart’s leadership and ambition, recalling his admiration for the racing operation Hart built in Florida. “I saw his setup a few years ago, and it really impressed me,” he said. “John Force Racing is evolving, and we have to keep feeding the monster. Bringing in someone like Josh keeps us strong and moving forward. Our team is growing—with Austin, Jack, and now Josh, we’re focused on finishing this season strong and then setting our sights on 2026.”
Hart’s Vision and Response to Speculation
Hart’s signing comes after months of speculation about his future. When he announced the sale of his own racing operation earlier this year, fans and insiders began questioning whether he would retire or switch to another team. Now, those rumors have finally been put to rest.
“There’s been a lot of talk about my next move since I sold my team,” Hart explained. “But I had a plan all along. I wanted to make sure I found the right place where I could keep growing, competing, and winning—and John Force Racing is exactly that place.”
He added that this announcement is only the first of several steps in his ongoing journey. “This is just the beginning,” he said confidently. “I’ve been blown away by the support from fans, sponsors, and the entire racing community. My focus right now is simple: finish this season strong, win races, and represent John Force Racing the best way I can.”
The End of an Era and the Start of Another
Brittany Force’s decision to step away from full-time competition marks the end of an unforgettable era for JFR. As one of the most dominant female drivers in NHRA history, Brittany’s achievements—including two Top Fuel World Championships—cemented her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Her departure leaves big shoes to fill, but Josh Hart appears ready to take on that challenge.
For John Force Racing, this moment signifies both change and continuity. The team remains firmly committed to its winning legacy while embracing new talent to shape its future. As the 2025 NHRA season winds down, JFR will be fighting to close the year with championship victories in both Top Fuel and Funny Car categories.
With Brittany’s graceful exit and Josh Hart’s high-profile arrival, John Force Racing has set the stage for a dynamic and emotional transition—one that promises to redefine the team’s legacy for years to come.
