John Force Rivals react to Uncharted Territory surrounding NH Legend at the NH Mission Foods drag racing series drag racing icon John Force a record 16-time funny car Champion faces a successful season following a severe brain injury sustained in a June crash at Virginia Motorsports Park Force has been sidelined missing his first US Nationals in a non-co year since 1983 and declaring himself out for the current season including the six race countdown to the championship playoffs now his Rivals have reacted to him being replaced with another driver who will tally points for the force named the impact of Force's absence extends Beyond his personal recovery at home it has triggered a play with 2012 class champion Jack Beckman stepping in since August 16th at the 42nd Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainard Minnesota to keep Championship hopes alive for the racing icon Ron caps a three-time funny car champion and a seasoned rival of force described the situation is unprecedented we're in a unique situation caps admitted via Auto week from my standpoint we're in Uncharted Territory with John Force and what happened and what would happen if one of us got in the same situation he continues so right now I don't mind it I like seeing his name out there I can't wait to see him ride up on a scooter sometime here in the future and just be at the track I'd be honored to just be fighting him in the points this season maybe next season NH looks at something else NH spokesperson Jason Galvin added it's a long-standing rule and it does apply on a case-by Case basis this is a rule that was announced before the season when thinking about things like some of our Lady drivers who may want to start families and have to get out of the car mid-season or get back into the car in the middle of next season also for different and various medical issues this is a rule that was instituted and announced before Gainesville there was conversation about whether or not Austin proc would Institute this rule for Robert height before we had any idea of when Robert would possibly come back