John Force Racing Officially Names Vandergriff Driver of Cornwell Tools Funny Car
The wait is finally over, and the rumors swirling around the drag racing world have officially been put to rest. In a move that has fans buzzing, John Force Racing announced at the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis that rising star Jordan Vandergriff will be taking the wheel of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.
For anyone who has followed Vandergriff’s career from his rookie season in Top Fuel back in 2019 to his recent work as a reporter on FOX, this feels like the moment where potential meets opportunity.
A Childhood Dream Realized with John Force Racing
Let’s be honest: for a kid growing up in the sport, there is no bigger mountain top than driving for the legend himself. Vandergriff didn’t shy away from the emotion of the moment, calling it a “dream come true.”
It’s one thing to get a seat in the NHRA; it’s entirely another to drive for the G.O.A.T. Vandergriff noted that he grew up looking at John Force with that same sense of awe we all have. Now, he’s not just watching from the stands or the media booth; he’s part of the John Force Racing family. He’s stepping into a legacy team, and you can tell he is ready to soak up every bit of wisdom from the premier organization in the sport.
The Shift from Dragster to Funny Car
While Vandergriff has proven he has the chops in a Top Fuel dragster, earning a runner-up finish in Dallas during his rookie year, Funny Car is a different beast entirely. It’s a shorter wheelbase, it’s more violent, and it demands a different kind of respect.
Jordan isn’t going in blind, though. He mentioned getting some test hits in John’s car back in 2024, and apparently, that was enough to get him hooked. He’s been “itching” to get back in the seat ever since. It’s going to be a fun challenge to watch him wrestle that Chevrolet SS down the track next year.
A Stacked 2026 Lineup
The team at John Force Racing isn’t messing around for the 2026 season. Vandergriff is joining a roster that is absolutely stacked with talent. He’ll be running alongside 2012 Funny Car Champ Jack Beckman and the recently signed Alexis DeJoria, with Josh Hart holding it down in Top Fuel.
Perhaps the biggest asset in Vandergriff’s corner will be his crew chief. Veteran Chris Cunningham is moving over from the Peak team to lead the Cornwell squad at John Force Racing. When you pair a hungry, young driver with a championship-caliber tuner like Cunningham, you have the recipe for some serious Sunday upsets.
The Cornwell Tools Connection
It’s also great to see Cornwell Quality Tools expanding its footprint. They’ve been with the team since 2019, and CEO Bob Studenic seems genuinely thrilled to match Jordan’s competitive fire with their brand values. It’s not just a logo on a car; it feels like a genuine partnership geared toward winning.
With the drivers in place and the cars being prepped, the focus now shifts 100 percent to the 2026 season with John Force Racing. If Jordan’s enthusiasm is any indicator, we’re in for a wild ride.
