Courtney Force Ready for NHRA Pro Funny Car Debut in February

Drag racing is about to get a shot in the arm when a bright young star makes her pro debut in a little over a month.

Courtney Force, the 23-year-old daughter of 15-time NHRA champion John Force, will make her Professional driving debut Feb. 9-12 at the 52nd annual O’Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals presented by Super Start Batteries at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in a Ford Mustang Funny Car sponsored by Traxxas, the world leader in ready-to-run radio-controlled vehicles.

Courtney, who for the last four seasons learned how to deal with all of the off-track aspects of professional racing and has proven herself a skilled interviewee, a reality TV star, a spokesperson for Ford Motor Company’s Driving Skills for Life program, a national marketing contest winner, and a fan favorite, finally will get a chance to show what she can do on the track.

“For Traxxas, Courtney represents more than just a female driver on the track. The family that she comes from has been racing, and she’s been a part of racing all of her life. She’s not just another girl at the racetrack; she’s a girl that has real DNA and John Force DNA embedded in her, and it shows,” said Mike Jenkins, Traxxas president. “Take a couple of minutes and talk with Courtney; you’ll see the competitiveness that comes out in that girl. She’s going to represent our company and our brand. She’s been a top pick for us for a very long time -- we’re proud to have her on.”

Courtney had success in the NHRA Top Alcohol Dragster class, including winning a national event.  Courtney spent last season testing in a Ford Funny Car after selected NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series tour events.

Her crew chiefs will be Ron Douglas and Scott Wible.