Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs John Force Racing’s update on the status of Robert Hight, a three-time NHRA Funny Car champion and president of the team, has only heightened the uncertainty surrounding his return to the racing circuit.Hight, who has been on medical leave since January, has prioritized his health over professional obligations. His absence from the NHRA events over the past year, coupled with recent announcements, raises questions about the future of both his career and John Force Racing’s direction.Hight, who has served as the president of John Force Racing since January 2011, has remained a vital figure within the organization.On June 7, during a media interaction in Bristol, Tennessee, team owner John Force provided an update on Hight’s situation. He clarified that Hight is not hospitalized, but he prefers to stay away from the racetracks and media inquiries. In Force’s words, as quoted by Drag Illustrated:
Robert Hight, driver of the Auto Club of California Ford and car owner John Force celebrate after winning the top fuel title at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals on September 20, 2009 at Zmax Dragway in…
Robert Hight, driver of the Auto Club of California Ford and car owner John Force celebrate after winning the top fuel title at the NHRA Carolinas Nationals on September 20, 2009 at Zmax Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. John Force Racing update raises questions about president and 3-time NHRA champion Robert Hight’s racing return.
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“No, Robert’s good. What’s he going through right now, the process is continually. He’s not in the hospital. He’s at home. He just doesn’t want to come to the races. He don’t want to answer all the questions.”Adding to the uncertainty, it was disclosed at the PRI Show in Indianapolis that Hight will not be competing in a Funny Car in 2025. This decision accentuates the complexities facing John Force Racing, as they adapt to changes in their team.Robert Hight’s impressive career boasts 65 victories, 102 final appearances, and 84 number one qualifications, making him a top performer in NHRA history. Hight’s legacy includes NHRA championships in 2009, 2017, and 2019. He has accumulated 626 round-wins, earning him the third-highest rank in Funny Car history. Despite his impressive achievements, Hight remains steadfast in his decision to focus on his health. As he said in a statement in January:”I have to put my health first. Once this is resolved, I’ll be back.”In the interim, Austin Prock, has transitioned to Hight’s racing role. Prock’s entry into the Funny Car category is backed by a new three-year sponsorship deal with Cornwell Tools. Interestingly, Hight personally recommended Prock as his replacement.Furthermore, Jack Beckman was named as the replacement for John Force in the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS for the 2024 season after Force suffered from a horrific crash in the Virginia Nationals. Beckman’s extensive experience and history with co-crew chief Chris Cunningham made him a natural fit for this role.Force himself is still recovering from the crash. Speaking about his potential return to competing, Force explained, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:”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 and I miss. 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.”
