John Force, Hall of Fame Funny Car driver, TJ Bailey, Motorplex track specialist, and Joe Luebano, longtime Motorplex artist, have been named Texas Motorplex Legends ahead of the 2025 NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. The three honorees have shaped the facility’s history and left a lasting mark on drag racing both on and off the track.
“Recognizing John, TJ and Joe as Texas Motorplex Legends almost doesn’t feel like enough to celebrate and recognize their impact on the track and our racing family,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “John has done it all when it comes to racing but his generosity with the fans and sponsors sets him apart even more. We lost Joe and TJ earlier this year and the hole they have left in our hearts is slowly healing. They are with us in spirit every day and this year’s Legends award is a true testament to their contributions to Texas Motorplex.”
Force, the winningest driver in NHRA history, also holds the most victories at Texas Motorplex with seven Funny Car titles, including a sweep of both national events in 2000. The California native raced against Motorplex founder Billy Meyer and helped build the track’s reputation during the 1990s while dominating the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
Bailey, regarded as one of the sport’s top track specialists, died in March during severe storms in Ellis County. His reputation for precise track preparation and work on the starting line earned him respect nationwide and extended far beyond his work in Texas.
Luebano contributed for nearly four decades as the artist responsible for the Texas Fall Nationals starting line. His creativity brought a distinct Texas style to the Motorplex experience and added a unique element for fans. He passed away earlier this year.
The honorees will each receive custom Legend spurs during the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals, Oct. 8-12, as part of the Stampede of Speed at Texas Motorplex. Tickets are available at www.stampedeofspeed.com
.
