John Force’s extraordinary career in the world of drag racing is one that will be remembered for generations to come. The 16-time NHRA Funny Car Champion has achieved unprecedented success in the sport, thanks in part to his close collaboration with legendary crew chiefs Bernie Fedderly and Austin Coil.
John Force, also known as ”The Brute Force”, first entered the world of drag racing in the early 1970s. But it wasn’t until the late 1980s, when he began working with Bernie Fedderly and Austin Coil, that his career truly took off. The trio formed a winning combination, dominating the NHRA Funny Car division for nearly two decades.
Bernie Fedderly, who had already made a name for himself as a talented crew chief, joined forces with John Force’s team in 1987. In doing so, he brought with him his expertise and experience, which proved to be vital in the team’s success. Fedderly’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to make quick decisions under pressure were crucial in taking John Force’s team to the top.
But it was Austin Coil, who joined John Force Racing in 1985, that had the biggest impact on the team’s success. Known as one of the greatest crew chiefs in the history of drag racing, Coil’s contributions to John Force’s team cannot be overstated. His innovative ideas and fearless approach to tuning the car helped create a winning machine that was nearly unbeatable.
John Force, Bernie Fedderly, and Austin Coil worked tirelessly together, constantly pushing the limits and looking for ways to improve the performance of their Funny Car. Their hard work and dedication paid off when they won their first NHRA Funny Car Championship in 1990, and continued to dominate the sport for the following years.
Together, the trio racked up an impressive 15 NHRA Funny Car Championships, with John Force claiming 16 in total. They also achieved an incredible 149 individual race wins, including 10 victories at the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals.
Their success on the track was not only based on their talent and skills, but also on their strong camaraderie and friendship. John Force, Bernie Fedderly, and Austin Coil formed a close bond that went beyond just working together as a team. They were a family, united by their love for drag racing and their desire to win.
But their partnership wasn’t without its challenges. In 2004, Austin Coil retired from his position as crew chief, leaving John Force and Bernie Fedderly to carry on the legacy alone. However, their determination and hard work paid off when John Force won his 13th NHRA Funny Car Championship that same year.
Their journey together came to an end in 2009, when Bernie Fedderly left John Force Racing. However, their contributions to the sport of drag racing and their impact on each other’s lives will never be forgotten.
John Force himself acknowledges the pivotal role that Bernie Fedderly and Austin Coil played in his career, stating “I could not have achieved all the success without the help of Bernie and Austin. They are the best in the business.”
Their partnership was a unique and special one, built on trust, respect, and a common goal. John Force, Bernie Fedderly, and Austin Coil showed that when talented individuals come together and work towards a shared objective, extraordinary things can happen.
Today, John Force Racing continues to be one of the top teams in NHRA Funny Car racing, with John’s daughter, Brittany, following in his footsteps as a successful Top Fuel Dragster driver. Although John Force, Bernie Fedderly, and Austin Coil are no longer working together, their legacy lives on in the world of drag racing, inspiring future generations to chase their dreams and strive for greatness.
In conclusion, the close collaboration between John Force, Bernie Fedderly, and Austin Coil proved to be the winning formula for success in the world of drag racing. Their combined talents, dedication, and friendship led to an unprecedented era of dominance in the NHRA Funny Car division. Their story serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when individuals come together and work towards a common goal, and their legacy will continue to inspire and motivate others for years to come.
