FORCE & JFR RACE TEAMS READY FOR TESTING

FORCE MAKES MORE GAINS IN RECOVERY FROM CRASH

14-Time Champ Expects to Be Back at Phoenix Test

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YORBA LINDA, Calif. – Just over three months after suffering severe injuries to his feet, hands and legs in a 300 mile-an-hour crash, John Force climbed into and out of the cockpit of his Castrol GTX® High Mileage™ Ford Mustang Funny Car last week in a special rehabilitation session at the John Force Racing complex supervised by physical therapy director Robert Ortmayer.

“It wasn’t easy,” Force said, “but I could do it. I said I’d be ready (for the NHRA’s 2008 season) and I will.”

In fact, just 100 days after being airlifted out of the Texas Motorplex, the 58-year-old drag racing icon has shed the casts on his feet and hands and is maneuvering without either a walker or cane.

Fitted with a special brace on a left foot that suffered the most traumatic injury – a compound fracture, the 14-time NHRA Funny Car Champion has been cleared to intensify an already rigorous physical therapy regimen in advance of the 2008 season.

Ortmayer, who owns Yorba Linda Physical Therapy, the facility at which Force has been re-habbing for the last two months, accompanied the 14-time champion when he met most recently with the hand and foot specialists with whom he has been consulting since the accident.

“He (Ortmayer} wanted to know how hard we could push it,” Force said, “because that’s what it takes. These guys understand what we do and that’s what’s made (the rapid recovery) possible. I’ve got to thank all my doctors, the ones here in California and the ones at Baylor (University Medical Center in Dallas).”

Ortmayer believes that Force’s stated goal of being ready to drive during pre-season testing Jan. 27-30 at Phoenix, Ariz., is achievable. That means that the 125-time tour winner should be ready to race when the 2008 season begins Feb. 7-10 with 48th annual CARQUEST Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona, Calif.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do,” Force said, “but I can tell I’m getting better – and that’s all I needed. We’re gonna go after the POWERade championship this year with four cars with me, my daughter Ashley, my son-in-law Robert Hight and Mike Neff, who’s teamed up this year with John Medlen.”

Force’s crew chief roster remains intact from 2007 with Austin Coil and Bernie Fedderly co-crew chiefing the veteran’s Castrol GTX High Mileage entry, Jimmy Prock handling the duties for Hight on the Auto Club Ford, Dean “Guido” Antonelli tuning Ashley’s Castrol GTX Mustang and Medlen maintaining the fourth Mustang in which Neff will be seeking to become the third JFR driver in four years to win the Auto Club’s Road to the Future award that designates the NHRA’s Rookie of the Year.

JOHN FORCE AUTOGRAPHED – ERIC MEDLEN TRIBUTE DIECAST – is now in stock and looks to sell out very soon. This 1:24 scale diecast is a replica of the racecar John drove at last year’s US Nationals race in Indy paying tribute to Eric Medlen. It was also the racecar John crashed in at the Dallas, TX race. We have put together a limited edition ‘RaceStation Package’ of 120 units that includes several Eric Medlen memorabilia items. ORDERS YOURS TODAY BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD OUT (Item # 4814)

JOHN FORCE RACING “ATTACK TEAM” CASUAL SHIRTS – Just added to our website are three very cool Oakley casual shirts embroidered with the John Force ‘Attack Team’ logo on them. Be the first at the races to wear one of these very comfortable shirts. Tailored to be worn outside your pants you will surely be a hit!!!! These are not sold at the race track. (Item # APP236,APP237,APP238)

JOHN FORCE RACING FIRST-AID KITS, SUN SHADE & BLANKETS – Don’t go to a race without the following items: John Force Racing First-Aid Kit (Item # 2276); John Racing Windshield Sun Shade (Item # 3496); John & Ashley Force/NHRA Blankets (Item # 4657,4659,4677). Be prepared for all weather conditions to protect you and your vehicle!!!

NHRA COUNTDOWN TO 2007 CHAMPIONSHIP DVD – The complete 2007 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season is captured in the fast paced 90 minute DVD. Don’t miss a moment of this very exciting year of drag racing. Bob Frey captures the highlights, including two features on Wally Parks & Eric Medlen. (Item # 4795)

JFR DRIVER APPEARANCES – Check out the APPEARANCES section of the team website to find out where your favorite JFR driver will be www.JohnForceRacing.com .

JOHN FORCE MUSEUM & RACE SHOP OPEN TO FANS – prior to the opening race at Pomona on Thursday & Friday (Feb. 7 & 8) between the hours of 10am-1pm only! If you are planning to attend the CarQuest NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, CA please stop by and visit the RaceStation Store and John’s car collection, machine shop and race shop. The museum & race shop are about 20 minutes from the race track; located at 22722 Old Canal Road, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. For more info call (714) 921-1651. (Store Directions)

JFR FAN PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS FOR 2006 & 2007 – Because of a lot of unforeseen circumstances in the early part of 2007, the 2006 JFR Photo Winners were never awarded. So we are honoring both the 2006 & 2007 Fan Photo Winners from our FAN PHOTO sections of our website. Check out the Top 3 winners from both years!!! (Photo Winners)

2007 FAN PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS:

Eistyn Shelton – 1st Place

Elzy Miller – 2nd Place

Shawna McCutcheon – 3rd Place

2006 FAN PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS:

Henry Coleman – 1st Place

Chris Johnson – 2nd Place

Dillon Amorosano – 3rd Place