PEAK Extends Partnership with John Force Racing, Jack Beckman Returns to Full-Time NHRA Funny Car Competition
Old World Industries (OWI), the parent company of PEAK and BlueDEF, has announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with John Force Racing (JFR). This renewed agreement includes primary sponsorship of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet SS, which will be driven by Jack Beckman as he vies for the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Funny Car championship.
Jack Beckman Back Full-Time
Beckman, a veteran driver and former NHRA Funny Car champion, will return to full-time competition for the first time since 2020. Last season, he stepped in as a substitute for team owner and drag racing icon John Force, who continues to recover from injuries sustained in a high-speed crash in June 2024. Despite the circumstances, Beckman excelled, securing two victories and finishing second in the championship standings behind his JFR teammate, Austin Prock.
This isn’t Beckman’s first taste of championship success. He claimed the NHRA Funny Car title in 2012, building on a foundation of excellence that began with his 2003 NHRA Super Comp championship. Now, with PEAK and BlueDEF backing him, he’s eager to chase another title.
“I am thrilled to continue a partnership with PEAK and BlueDEF and look forward to returning to JFR in 2025,” said Beckman. “As a car enthusiast, I believe in using the best products available for both personal and professional applications. PEAK and BlueDEF products are trusted for our support vehicles and haulers, ensuring reliability and performance.”
Force Continues Recovery but Remains Optimistic
John Force, the 16-time Funny Car champion and one of the most accomplished drivers in NHRA history, suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the crash in Richmond, Virginia. While he has made significant strides in his recovery, he remains under the care of TBI specialists and is not yet ready to return to the driver’s seat.
“I’m still going to therapy every week and working as hard as I can to get back out there with the sponsors and the fans in a sport I love,” Force said. “I’ve still got a lot of things I want to do, so I don’t want anybody thinking they’ve seen the last of John Force. We’ll have a lot more to talk about after the holidays.”
PEAK and JFR: A Winning Combination
Brian Bohlander, Director of Sports Marketing for OWI, praised Beckman’s performance in 2024 and expressed excitement about continuing the partnership with JFR.
“The last eight races showed us that the NHRA is definitely better with Jack Beckman back in the driver’s seat,” Bohlander said. “We’re excited to have John, Jack, and the entire JFR organization representing the PEAK and BlueDEF brands for years to come. Jack has done a tremendous job, on and off the track, and has earned this opportunity to race full-time for the championship.”
Beckman first drove the PEAK Chevrolet SS during the 2024 “Night Under Fire” match race at Norwalk, Ohio. In eight subsequent starts in the NHRA Mission Foods Series, he advanced to three final rounds, capturing wins in St. Louis and at the season-ending In-n-Out Burger Finals in Pomona, California.
Beckman’s Legacy
A respected figure in the drag racing community, Beckman brings a wealth of experience to JFR. Over an 11-year tenure as an instructor at Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School, he taught more than 7,000 students, including members of the Force family—John’s wife, Laurie, and daughters Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney.
Beckman’s career includes 37 NHRA national event victories, 35 of which were in Funny Car competition. He became the 11th driver to win a national event for JFR and the 10th to do so in a Funny Car, adding to the legacy of the team that Force built.
A U.S. Air Force veteran and cancer survivor, Beckman’s story is one of resilience and determination. His success in 2024 proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive world of NHRA drag racing.
Looking Ahead
With Beckman back in the fold full-time and Force’s unwavering determination to return, the future looks bright for John Force Racing. Fans can expect the team to remain a dominant presence in the NHRA, with Beckman leading the charge for PEAK and BlueDEF.
“Beckman’s doing the job for PEAK and BlueDEF,” Force said. “We’re excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to get back out there as a team.”
As the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods series approaches, Beckman, JFR, and their partners are ready to take on the challenge of another championship season, carrying on the legacy of excellence that has defined John Force Racing for decades.
