John Force to run Jeff Gordon tribute scheme

John Force first met Jeff Gordon back in the early 1990's and with the NASCAR legend ending his career at the conclusion of 2015, Force decided to honor the driver of the No. 24.

There have been a plethora of tributes for Gordon and in the Carolina Nationals, the Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car that Force pilots in the NHRA will adorn a paint scheme that Gordon made famous. The words 'Thank you Jeff Gordon' will be on the hood.

At the Indianapolis 500, Townsend Bell honored the 4x Sprint Cup champion in a similar way.

Getting to know Gordon over the years has been a lot of fun. We see each other at NASCAR races, and I know his kids love coming to the drag races at zMAX Dragway

John Force

“I got the idea for the flames from Jeff telling me years ago he was a fan because I was always on fire," said Force. "He was right; when I got started, we were on fire from here to Australia. I always enjoyed seeing Jeff at races and award banquets. The guy was just so polite and professional, but you knew he had the eye of the tiger, too. You don’t win all those championships on your good looks. This special Funny Car is just a way for me, my family, my team, my sponsors, NHRA, and the fans to say thank you for being a great champion and being such a great driver in NASCAR. I put as many flames as my designer Brandon [Baker] could fit on my hot rod in Jeff’s honor,” said Force, who will unveil the Funny Car on Friday at the NHRA Carolina Nationals.

In addition to recognizing Gordon’s racing success, Force wanted to say thank you for the many times the pair of Chevrolet drivers shared a stage or autograph line throughout the years.

Crossing paths

Force met Gordon in the early 1990s, when they were seated next to each other at an end-of-season awards banquet. Gordon admitted to Force he was a little nervous about speaking to a big crowd, and Force gave the young driver some humorous advice to get him through the event. Those tips worked for Gordon, and he has recounted this story many times throughout the years, to Force’s amusement.

Years later, when both drivers were established champions, Force and Gordon crossed paths at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., when Force made a hamburger run for a group of drivers that included Gordon and Rusty Wallace. Because of a scheduling mix-up with Force’s limo driver, Force actually drove his limo to the racetrack and to In-N-Out. In the process, the limo ran out of gas, and the drivers had a good-hearted laugh about the whole incident as they recalled how Force insisted on driving and getting hamburgers for his NASCAR friends.

“I loved being around the NASCAR guys. Dale Earnhardt Sr. was my hero, and I learned a lot from him. Getting to know Gordon over the years has been a lot of fun. We see each other at NASCAR races, and I know his kids love coming to the drag races at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. He is just a great guy, and I am proud to run this Chevrolet Camaro to thank him for everything he has done for motorsports,” said Force.

NHRA