Silly Season Indeed!!! Before 2026 NHRA Season...

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ocdart

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Breaking news!
Drag Illustrated broke the developing story that Austin, Jimmy and Thomas Prock have informed John Force Racing that they are leaving effective immediately. Conjecture is they are heading to the Tasca camp.


Multiple Sources Confirm Austin Prock, Crew Chief Jimmy Prock and Assistant Crew Chief Thomas Prock Have Departed John Force Racing | Drag Illustrated


From www.competitionplus.com...

UPDATED – CORNWELL TOOLS PROCLAIMS SUPPORT FOR JOHN FORCE RACING

With John Force Racing’s announcement today regarding the Prock family’s departure from the team, we want to provide clarity on Cornwell’s position as we move toward the 2026 NHRA season.

First and foremost, Cornwell Quality Tools remains fully committed to our partnership with John Force Racing. JFR has been a cornerstone partner for our brand—strong, stable, and deeply aligned with the values and pride that define Cornwell. Their professionalism and long-standing legacy in the sport continue to be a powerful platform for our dealers and our brand.


We are grateful for everything achieved with Austin Prock and the Prock family over the past two seasons. Back-to-back championships are rare in any sport, and we are proud of the moments we created together during that run. As they begin their next chapter, we wish the Prock family nothing but continued success.


Looking ahead, our alignment with JFR remains unwavering. The team’s dedication to the 2026 season—fielding four race teams and continuing their commitment to American-made performance—mirrors the strength and determination we see across our Cornwell Tools dealer network.

We are excited to support JFR as they enter another milestone year in the NHRA and as they prepare to announce additional partnerships in the coming weeks. Together, our focus is clear: continue building momentum, elevate our presence in the industry, and chase another championship in 2026.
 
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On Brian Lohnes' NHRA Insider Podcast today, the following facts, rumors and speculations...

Facts
  • Rip Reynolds moving to Cruz Pedregon team in a yet to be specified role
  • The Procks are not establishing a new family team since there isn't enough time to handle all of the logistics (new trailer, equipment, etc.) before the start of the 2026 season
  • Bob Tasca cleaned house yesterday regarding team crew members
Rumors
  • Majority, possibly the entire, Cornwell team members left JFR and are following the Procks
  • Buddy Hull may be driving for someone other than Jim Dunn in 2026
Speculation
  • The 4th team at JFR may be an already established team moving under the John Force Racing umbrella
  • Will Tasca be a 1 or 2 car team? Could Bob Tasca III be stepping out of his car for a short time with the Procks taking over his car at the beginning of the season?
  • Could Bobby Rahal become more involved and JFR move toward becoming Force Rahal Racing?
  • Will Austin Prock be booed next year because of the popularity of John Force?
  • Elite Motorsports to bring out a part-time 2nd Top Fuel car sometime in the 2026 season with Aaron Stanfield driving. Erica Enders also a possible part-time Top Fuel driver.

Opinions?

Hopefully more clarification in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned...
 
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The main topic on Brian Lohnes' NHRA Insider Podcast this week was "Crew Chief Migration" with the following facts, rumors and speculations...

  • Jon Oberhofer out at Kalitta Motorsports. Speculation is his possible destination may be Rick Ware Racing working with his brother Jim and Nick Boninfonte?
  • Jason Bunker out at Cruz Pedregon Racing. Official word is he is "pursuing other opportunities"...rumor is he may end up at John Force Racing working with Chris Cunningham.
  • Both Aaron Brooks and Todd Okuhara were recently released from Tasca Racing after a 10th place finish in Funny Car.
Also announced on the podcast is that JFR has made a decision on their new driver for the Cornwell Tools Funny Car and will be announced at the upcoming PRI Show in Indianapolis.
Who is it going to be?
A seasoned professional or a relatively young driver?
Post your guesses...
 
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