- John Force
Legendary drag racer John Force has been honoured once again—this time being inducted into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame (CMHOF) as the Class of 2024 International Inductee. (NHRA)
A landmark moment
The induction ceremony took place February 15 in Toronto, at the John Bassett Theatre in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. (NHRA) While Force was unable to attend in person—he’s still in treatment following a serious crash in June of 2024—he accepted via a video recorded at his team’s shop in Yorba Linda. (John Force Racing)
What makes this honour extra meaningful is that Force’s first national-level victory for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) came in Canada—in June 1987 at Sanair Raceway, St. Pie, Québec. (NHRA) The CMHOF’s “International” category is reserved for non-Canadians whose impact on Canadian motorsport has been significant; Force is the first drag-racer selected in that category. (John Force Racing)
Why this matters
Force’s career is among the most decorated in drag racing history: 16 NHRA Funny Car championships, more than 150 national event wins, and innumerable records for final rounds, qualifying, wins etc. (cmhf.ca) Being recognised by the Canadian hall adds a geographic and historic flavour to his legacy—it acknowledges the earlier chapter of his career in Canada, the international reach of his success, and the influence he’s had beyond just the U.S. drag racing scene.
In his acceptance video he reflected on that milestone:
“I’m very proud to accept this honor … It’s special to me because I won my first NHRA race in Canada. It may have been a long time ago, but I still remember.” (John Force Racing)
The legacy continues
At 75 years of age, Force is navigating his post-crash recovery while still remaining a visible presence in the sport. (NHRA) The induction into CMHOF is a reaffirmation of his status—not just as a dominant competitor in the U.S., but as an international motorsport icon. It also underscores that success in motorsports isn’t confined by national borders—his win in Canada decades ago is now part of the reason he’s being honoured.
What to watch for
- The video message Force recorded will likely be made publicly available.
- His team, John Force Racing, remains active and competitive, and this honour may boost awareness/funding of their ongoing programmes.
- It adds another “Hall of Fame” line to an already monumental resume; he’s been inducted into several halls previously, but this Canadian honour adds a fresh international dimension. (NARA)
In short: John Force’s induction into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame is more than a trophy—it’s a recognition of a career built over decades, a mark of international influence, and a persistent legacy even as he recovers and the sport moves forward.
