John Force elaborated about what he has in mind for the five acres of property he purchased in Brownsburg from Don Prudhomme.
Even so, it might be difficult to decipher exactly what he meant.
The 15-time Funny Car champion bought the land just across Southpoint Circle in Brownsburg, Ind., from his John Force Racing headquarters. It includes the race-shop building that was Snake Racing’s hub, as well as the vacant lot that stands between the facility and Northfield Drive, the main road through what some loosely refer to as “Nitro Alley.”
Prudhomme’s property had two buildings, and Force bought only one closest to Northfield Drive.
John Force elaborated about what he has in mind for the five acres of property he purchased in Brownsburg from Don Prudhomme.
Even so, it might be difficult to decipher exactly what he meant.
The 15-time Funny Car champion bought the land just across Southpoint Circle in Brownsburg, Ind., from his John Force Racing headquarters. It includes the race-shop building that was Snake Racing’s hub, as well as the vacant lot that stands between the facility and Northfield Drive, the main road through what some loosely refer to as “Nitro Alley.”
Prudhomme’s property had two buildings, and Force bought only one closest to Northfield Drive.
What one can glean from his reply in this week’s NHRA teleconference is that the site will continue to house several race teams, including part of Chip Ganassi’s IZOD IndyCar Series operation (Charlie Kimball’s car).
Another high-profile tenant is Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, with headliner Graham Rahal. Three-time IndyCar champion and 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal owns the team along with Mi-Jack co-owner Mike Lanigan and CBS Late Show host and Indianapolis native David Letterman.
Top Fuel driver Steve Torrence rents shop space there, and the property also houses one division of Simpson Performance Products.
Force spoke about perhaps building a Castrol-branded version of the QuickLane tire and auto service center operation that Ford colleague Bob Tasca advertises on his Funny Car.
Force’s scattershot explanation of his intentions included references to bringing more automotive- and racing-related jobs to the area.
Here’s what Force said in last Thursday’s phone conference:
“I bought half of Prudhomme’s land, and I have the option by June to buy the rest. (Chip) Ganassi is over there now with a couple of his teams. (Bobby) Rahal is over there. I’ve got renters already.
“I’m not really worried. I’m investing in the future. I have a few bucks in the bank. I’m not making any money there. I don’t play the bonds or stock markets. I put it into rentals where I can rent to people in our industry. That’s where my growing point is. Racecars are what I do. Everything out of that revolves around the automotive industry.
“I’m hoping down the road I’m talking with Castrol, not in-depth, things that Castrol does. I’m excited about some of this stuff. Ford has done it with Tasca and Quick Lane. No reason that John Force can’t get involved in that, because we have the facilities to do it in California and out here.
“Simpson Safety moved in with us here. The Torrence team took on four bays here with us. I guess his dad is going to race.
“I’m bringing racing into the Brownsburg community and that’s why I’m excited about the growth.
“I hated to see Don Prudhomme, a name as huge as that, step out. I always pray that he’ll come back. He was my hero. Until then, I’m going to keep trying to grow the sport for myself and for Robert [Hight, company president and driver of John Force racing’s Auto Club Ford Mustang] and for my children so we can make a living.”
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