For the first time in more than a decade, Brittany Force is preparing to trade her Top Fuel fire suit for a new kind of role – one centered around family, reflection, and the next chapter of her life. After 13 years behind the wheel for John Force Racing, the two-time world champion opened up to WFO Radio’s Joe Castello about her decision to step away from full-time competition at the end of this season.
“It’s definitely a lot of weight off my shoulders to finally have shared the news,” said Force, who recently earned her 19th career win at the NHRA Nevada Nationals, breaking her tie with Shirley Muldowney to become the winningest woman in Top Fuel. “Now I can focus on getting back to my team. We’re here and ready. Our focus remains on this season.”
The announcement, while surprising to some, came with an unmistakable sense of peace and perspective. For Force, who has lived much of her adult life in the high-pressure world of professional drag racing, the decision was both deeply personal and carefully considered. “I’ve dedicated the last 13 years of my life to NHRA, to John Force Racing, to this team,” she explained. “I’m so grateful for all the success I’ve had along the way. But I’m starting a new chapter in my life. It’s bittersweet – a difficult decision – but I’m ready for it.”
That new chapter involves something that’s long been on her mind: starting a family. With her sisters already embracing motherhood, Force said the timing felt right. “My sisters have little ones, and I want little ones of my own,” she said with a smile.
Still, stepping away doesn’t mean disappearing. Force emphasized her commitment to remaining an active part of John Force Racing, especially in support of crew chiefs David Grubnic and John Collins, and the team she’s grown so close to. “I want to watch this team – David, John – I know there’s still so much more out there for them,” she said. “They’re still my guys, still my team, no matter how things change. I’ll be here to support them along the way.”
Force confirmed that efforts are underway to keep her team operating under the John Force Racing umbrella in her absence, with more announcements expected in the coming months. For now, though, her attention remains firmly on the remaining races in the Countdown to the Championship, including what will likely be her final full-time appearance at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals in Pomona.
“For me, it’s one weekend at a time, one day at a time,” Force said. “When you start laying everything out and playing with all the different scenarios, it gets overwhelming. Right now, the goal is simple – qualify strong, go rounds, and win races. There’s still a lot of racing left, and anything can happen. We’re going to chase it down in the end.”
The decision has sparked an emotional reaction from fans, many of whom have followed Brittany’s journey from rookie hopeful to championship contender. Her 343-mph blast in Sonoma this summer drew one of the largest crowds of the year to her pit area – and the reaction to her announcement has been equally intense.
“I want to say thank you to all my fans,” Force said. “I’ve been so blessed with the love and support I’ve gotten from the NHRA fans. They’re the absolute greatest – the most dedicated fans I’ve ever seen. They’ve always stood by John Force Racing and supported us through everything. You’ve cheered me on, lifted me up after the bad days, and pushed me before first round on race day. I love you guys so much.”
While Brittany Force hasn’t ruled out a return to the driver’s seat one day, her focus now is on life beyond the cockpit – one driven by gratitude, family, and unfinished business in the final stretch of 2025. “We’re going to give it everything we’ve got,” she said. “Then, it’s time to start that next chapter.”
This story was originally published on November 5, 2025. 
The post Brittany Force Opens Up on Tough Decision to Step Away From Top Fuel Racing first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
