Last week Leah Pruett announced her intent to return to the NHRA and her top fuel car for the 2026 season after taking a leave of absence to have a baby. Young Dominic was born late last year and she is ready to return to racing. Husband three time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart took over the driving duties while Pruett was out.
Known as the “Queen of Speed”, Brittany Force has just announced that she is retiring at the end of the season in order to start a family of her own.
The two time top fuel champion also holds the record for the fastest run in NHRA history at 343.51mph.
One of 16 time champion John Force, Brittany married Bobby Lyons last year and is now ready to change her title from champion to mama.
Force said, “it’s something that as a female in NHRA drag racing that has always been in the back of my mind. I watched my sisters get into the scene and have their careers and then ultimately had to make the decision to step out so they can try to start a family. Ashley has two little boys, Courtney has two little girls and has a third on the way. Because of that, it’s always been in the back of my mind because being a female in the sport, it is definitely more of a challenge.”
Like Pruett, Force has not ruled out making a return to NHRA and her top fuel car after having a baby.
Speaking on making a return she says, “I love the sport, I love NHRA drag racing, I’ve grown up around it. I dedicated the last 13 years to the sport, so I am not closing the door on driving in the future. That’s definitely a decision for further down the road once I get there.”
Speaking on setting the top fuel speed record Force said, “I couldn’t hear anything on my radio and then they repeated the 343 speed and I thought they were joking. I’m so pumped and so excited to do this in front of all the fans here. The stands were packed. We’ve run great mph lately, but to jump over 342 and go right to 343, I still can’t believe we did it.”
In setting a new speed record, Force broke her own record. She currently has made 10 runs of at least 340mph since April.
Her 18 wins ties her with Shirley Muldowney for the most Top Fuel wins in history.
She notes, “what we get to do is awesome. I’m very proud to be able to drive this car, work with this team and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish.”
Force has spent her entire racing career driving for her father at John Force Racing.
John Force is currently recuperating from a near fatal accident last year. When Brittany steps away from the dragster, it will mark the first time in over 50 years that a Force will not be among the lineup of Top Fuel drivers.
John Force spoke on his daughter Brittany saying, “I’m really proud of Brittany and all she has accomplished throughout her career. She’s won races, set countless records, and captured two World Championships. Her presence in this sport will be greatly missed. Although she’s stepping out of the seat at the end of the year, her focus is still firmly set on winning the championship and ending this season strong for all her sponsors.”
He added, “her mom, Laurie, and all her sisters are proud, as well, and we’re all looking forward to seeing what the next chapter of her life holds.”