Jack Beckman, stepping in as a replacement for the legendary John Force, has addressed his recent withdrawal from the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals due to unexpected health issues. Beckman experienced vertigo-like symptoms that ultimately led to a night in the hospital, prompting his decision to skip the race at the Texas Motorplex, where he had initially qualified in the No. 3 spot.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Beckman expressed gratitude to his fans and the John Force Racing (JFR) team for their support during this challenging time. He stated, “I want to thank all of the fans and my amazing JFR teammates and crew for making a horrible situation tolerable. Vertigo is nothing to take lightly, and a night in the hospital stunk, but Christine and I are on a plane getting ready to head home, put this behind me, and focus on Vegas…and our next win!” His optimism shines through despite the setback, showcasing his resilience and determination to return to the track.
Beckman, a seasoned veteran of the NHRA circuit, has had an illustrious career, highlighted by winning the NHRA Funny Car world championship in 2012 and the Super Comp world championship in 2003. With a total of 35 national event wins—33 in the highly competitive Funny Car category—his expertise and experience are invaluable to the JFR team. Beckman came out of retirement to fill in for Force after the latter’s serious crash during the NHRA Virginia Nationals, showcasing his commitment to the sport and to supporting his fellow drivers.
The withdrawal from the Texas Fall Nationals was unexpected; Beckman had felt fine after leaving the track on Saturday night. However, according to Bob McAleer, spokesperson for JFR, he woke up the next morning with lingering vertigo symptoms that did not quickly resolve, necessitating a cautious approach to his health. This decision underscores the importance of prioritizing safety in motorsports, where drivers often face intense physical demands.
Looking ahead, Beckman is focused on the upcoming races, particularly the NHRA event in Las Vegas, where he aims to continue his pursuit of victory. His experience and tenacity will undoubtedly serve him well as he prepares to return to competitive racing.
