John Force intends to retire one day, but if race fans believe he’s stepping aside for Jordan Vandergriff, they are reading too much into the situation. 

“We are just talking, and I don’t have a spot right now,” Force said. “I like the kid. I like the Vandergriff name. I raced with his family for years. He’s done those reality shows and now does some stuff with FOX. He came in and tested a Funny Car for us.” 

It wasn’t just any Funny Car that Vandergriff drove, though. Vandergriff drove Force’s Peak-sponsored Funny Car, and he made multiple 300-foot runs.

“I know he can drive a Top Fuel car, and I’m very interested in him right now,” Force said. “And I will just leave it at that.”

Force said he intends to return to Funny Car, and it remains uncertain whether it will be three Funny Cars and a dragster or two Funny Cars and two dragsters. He also added that the plan is for the sidelined driver, Robert Hight, to return. 

“I have to be prepared, and I plan to bring my full team back,” Force said. “I’m not going to race forever, so I am looking at younger drivers.”