Developing: Prock Family Stuns the NHRA World With Alleged John Force Racing Exit
If you follow the sport, you know the feeling. It’s that sudden realization that a dynasty is changing right before your eyes. That is exactly where we find ourselves today. In a move that has genuinely stunned the NHRA community, it’s been confirmed that Austin Prock, along with his father, the legendary tuner Jimmy Prock, and his brother Thomas Prock, have parted ways with John Force Racing. This is the sport’s most dominant tuning mind and its brightest young superstar walking away from the biggest empire in drag racing history.
The Rumors Become Reality
For weeks, if you listened closely to the chatter in the staging lanes, you could hear the rumblings. There was talk that the relationship between the Prock family and the Force Racing camp had run its course. But honestly? It was hard to believe.
Why would you leave a winning hand? We are talking about a team that has absolutely crushed the competition for the last two years. But according to rock-solid sources, the split is official. The Procks notified the team of their departure on Friday, November 21.
Looking back at the NHRA Finals in Pomona, the signs were there, even if we didn’t want to see them. The tension was thick. When Austin stood on that stage to deliver his championship speech, things felt… off. Fans noticed it. The body language was tense. It felt like a goodbye that no one was allowed to say out loud yet. Now we know why.
Leaving Behind a Legacy of Dominance
It’s impossible to overstate what the Prock family achieved under the Force Racing banner. They didn’t just win; they demoralized the competition. Austin Prock was widely considered the heir apparent to the throne. John Force himself has called Austin the future of the company. And the stats backed it up. In just the last two seasons, this unit delivered back-to-back Funny Car world championships.
They racked up 18 wins, including the prestigious U.S. Nationals. They were the first to crack the 340-mph barrier in a Funny Car.Jimmy Prock has always been known as the “Prock Rocket” for a reason he tunes cars to run on the ragged edge.
When you pair that mechanical genius with Austin’s incredible reaction times and driving ability, you get magic. Walking away from that level of success takes guts. It tells you that whatever is happening behind the scenes, this decision wasn’t made lightly. It’s a heavy, emotional move for everyone involved.
Where Do They Go From Here?
So, where does a trio of this caliber land? The drag racing rumor mill is spinning at 10,000 RPM right now, but the arrows are pointing in one specific direction: Bob Tasca III. Sources suggest that Tasca is looking to expand his operation to a two-car team, and frankly, it makes perfect sense.
Jimmy Prock has a deep history there, and reuniting with a familiar camp while bringing his sons along would be a massive coup for Tasca. While nothing is signed, sealed, and delivered publicly, the buzz is that we’ll get an official announcement in mid-January.
If this holds true, the 2026 season just got infinitely more interesting. Imagine Austin Prock, in a Tasca car, lining up against his old teammates at Force Racing. The storylines write themselves.
What’s Next for Force Racing?
You can never count out John Force Racing. They are the New York Yankees of this sport. They don’t rebuild. They reload. Sources say the team is already moving fast to fill the empty seat.
We’re hearing that a replacement driver has already been contacted and that an announcement could come as soon as the PRI Trade Show in Indianapolis. The organization has deep pockets and the best equipment in the business. Whoever steps into that seat is stepping into a championship-caliber car on day one.
Change is Coming
For now, we wait for the official statements. But one thing is certain: the Force Racing garage is going to look and feel a whole lot different when the haulers pull into Gainesville next year. It’s the end of an era, and the beginning of a fascinating new chapter in NHRA history.
