Just call John Force the “Show Stealer.”

While many fans and media members at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway were focused on Ron Capp’s quest for his first NHRA Funny Car title, the 67-year-old Force came away with his 147th career win in the NHRA Toyota Nationals.

Force defeated his daughter, Courtney, in the final with a pass of 3.884 seconds at 327.19 mph to earn his fourth victory of the season and sixth win at the modern Las Vegas track. Courtney followed with a pass of 3.906 seconds at 325.85.

“We gave them a good show, and that’s what the fans come for,” John Force said. “I rolled in deep on her, and she still left on me.
“I’m excited just to be in the hunt with these kids. That kind of just sums it all up.”

Sunday’s weather conditions offered cloud cover, temperatures in the mid 70s and high grip. As track temps climbed to over 105 degrees, the nationally-televised semifinals offered an enticing matchup between the Force family and Don Schumacher Racing title contenders Matt Hagan and Capps.

Force stopped Hagan while Courtney shot down Capps, who will take an 86-point lead into the final event at Pomona.

“Capps looks real good right now, but we’re going to fight him at Pomona,” John Force said. “He’s already a champion in my books. That’s just the way I feel about him.”

John Force even took a good-natured dig at his old rival Don Schumacher.

“They told me all I had to do was win this and I had a shot at Capps. I won it, and then they tell me that I didn’t have a shot,” John Force said. “I want a recount. If I don’t get it, I’m building a wall between me and Schumacher.”

John Force has a reputation for closing seasons in style, and this season has been no exception. He already has two victories in the Countdown.

“It’s just a bit late, but it’s pretty exciting when I see the stands packed and all the other good things going on with the sport. To be a part of it at my age, it’s really awesome,” Force said. “Those kids make me thrive.”

To the delight of the media, Force touched on many subjects in his post-race press conference and revealed that he came to terms with his sponsor, PEAK, on a new long-term deal.

One reporter even asked Force if spirit of a 20-something was trapped in his body.

“No, I’m just learning about what you can really do at my age,” he said. “It ain’t over until I say it’s over. There’s things you have to do to make yourself better, and I’ve learned some real tricks.”

Instead of slowing down, the animated 16-time Funny Car world champion talked about bigger and better things to come for his expansive Team Force operation.

“I’ve got some young kids on my crew, and we’re building a young group for the future,” he said. “I’m looking at building more teams and sponsors are starting to look and talk. We’ve got some new deals coming that we’re going to be announcing.”

Force said that he gained an emotional boost early Sunday when he learned about health struggles of a young girl, who overcame her issues.

“We think we’ve got problems, but there’s people that will fight every day,” Force said. “I gave my win trophy to this kid. I’ve never given up a necklace, but she’s getting a necklace too.

“I walk out there in pain every round. Then I heard her story and I was glowing with love. I just went out there and said `Let’s drag race. Win or lose, let’s have some fun.’ And that’s what NHRA Mello Yello drag racing is all about.”

Force, who endured a long dues-paying process early in his career, credited his many achievements to one simple factor.

“I’m the luckiest man on earth because luck sometimes just makes stuff happen for me. You just say “that shouldn’t have happened. It’s just like the good Lord has got a plan for me. We’re fighting the fight.”