John Force Tries to Take Down Matt Hagan at NHRA Finale

The NHRA will crown four champions today in its major pro divisions in Pomona, CA. Even if you aren't a drag racing fan, you know the name John Force.

The 61-year old funny car driver is trying to win his 15 NHRA Championship. He is neck and neck with a young cattle rancher from Virginia, Matt Hagan.

The 27-year-old Hagan in his second full season in funny car competition, has a 38-point lead over Force, who is looking to complete an improbable comeback after a horrific crash almost crippled him at Dallas in 2007.

The are four rounds in the 16-car Full Throttle Series final eliminations, and Hagan and Force, in separate brackets, can't meet before the final round. By then, Hagan will have won three rounds and have accumulated enough points so that the only way Force could win the championship in that case would be to set a national record. A record is worth 20 points, same as a round win in the finals.

Force doesn't think a national record is possible.

"Not on this track," he said. "It would take a miracle."

But if Hagan loses in an early round, that will open the door for Force. Hagan faces a tough first round opponent in Bob Tasca.

Hagan, who credits crew chief Tommy DeLago for his success this season, cautiously likes his chances of winning the title.

"For us, it's first and goal at the 10," he said. "We just have to deliver."

Force also used a football analogy to describe the competition between the youngster and himself.

"At his age, he should be chasing around Brett Favre instead of this old man.

"If he beats me, I'll shake his hand. He's really a good kid. But I'll be back next season going for that 15th title. I'm not going anywhere."

That's true. John Force Racing isn't going anywhere.