Brittany Force, a two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion, has announced she will step away from full-time competition following the current NHRA Top Fuel season to prioritize her family and future plans. The decision comes after significant personal events and reflects her intention to start a family with her husband, Bobby Lyons, while continuing to support her racing team behind the scenes.
Reasons Behind Brittany Force’s Decision to Take a Break
The daughter of legendary drag racer John Force shared how balancing the demands of racing with personal life became increasingly difficult, especially after her father suffered a severe brain injury caused by his Funny Car exploding at over 300 mph. These challenges led Brittany to publicly announce her retirement during a conference held at Maple Grove Raceway last week.
She expressed the difficulty of managing both a professional racing career and family commitments simultaneously, emphasizing her need for a shift after dedicating 13 years to the sport. Brittany’s choice mirrors the paths taken by her sisters, Ashley and Courtney Force, who also left racing to focus on family but continue to be involved with John Force Racing in various capacities.
“I believe you dedicate everything to driving, to my team, to chasing a championship, or you dedicate everything to starting a family. I don’t think you can do both. For me, I knew deep down it was time. I’ve given 13 years to this sport, and I’m ready for a shift,” Brittany Force said (via Forbes).
Despite stepping back from the driver’s seat, Brittany remains passionate about NHRA and intends to stay connected to the sport.
“I love NHRA drag racing. I’ll definitely still be out at the races. The door isn’t closed on driving, I just can’t make that decision now,” she added.
The Force family is also preparing to announce the lineup structure for their multi-car team for the 2026 season in the upcoming weeks, signaling ongoing involvement and evolution within John Force Racing.
Brittany Force’s Exceptional Achievements in NHRA Drag Racing
Brittany Force made history by securing her first Top Fuel championship in 2017, becoming only the second woman ever to claim the title. She captured her second championship in 2022. That year, she set a national speed record of 338.48 mph at the NHRA Midwest Nationals before surpassing it with a 341.85 mph run at the NHRA Northwest Nationals in Kent, Washington.
This season, she broke her personal best again, reaching 343.16 mph during qualifying at Sonoma Raceway. At 39 years old, Brittany now holds nine of the top ten fastest Top Fuel speeds in NHRA history. She currently trails former NASCAR driver Tony Stewart in the championship standings, continuing to compete fiercely as she approaches her break.
“I think I’ve accomplished more than I ever could have imagined. My big focus (then) was I just want to get a win. I wanted to stand in a winner’s circle with my team. I never imagined two championships ever. And when that first one came, that’s really when it was, ‘okay, now we want more,'” Brittany Force said.
Her success not only highlights her talent but also honors the legacy of Shirley Muldowney, the last woman before Brittany to clinch an NHRA Top Fuel Championship.
Anticipating the Next Chapter for Brittany Force and John Force Racing
While Brittany’s focus will shift towards building a family and balancing life outside the track, she plans to stay involved behind the scenes with her family’s team, John Force Racing. Her withdrawal from full-time competition opens space for strategic planning as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
The ongoing involvement of Brittany, along with her sisters Ashley and Courtney, signals the Force family’s commitment to maintaining their presence and influence in NHRA racing. Fans and industry observers can expect upcoming announcements that will reveal new developments regarding the team’s driver lineup and organizational structure.
Brittany’s decision represents a personal and professional crossroads, underscoring the challenges athletes face when striving to excel at the highest levels while nurturing family life. Her resilience and optimism offer insight into the complexities of sustaining a career in competitive motorsport alongside meaningful personal growth.
