A significant shift has occurred in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, as two-time Funny Car world champion Austin Prock and his team have moved from John Force Racing to Tasca Racing for the 2026 season. The announcement, made on January 15, has reverberated throughout the sport, marking a departure from a long-standing relationship.
A Family Decision
Prock, who developed as a driver within John Force Racing and contributed to multiple championships, will now drive the Dark Horse Ford Mustang. He stated the decision was swift, coming after discussions with John Force didn’t align with his team’s vision. Ultimately, the move centered on keeping his family together, as Bob Tasca III offered to include the entire team.
Maintaining secrecy during this transition proved challenging, as Prock continued to compete for a championship with John Force Racing. He described the experience as difficult, acknowledging his preference for openness but emphasizing the need to remain focused on the task at hand.
Building Anew
The move represents a substantial undertaking for the Prock team. After years within the established infrastructure of John Force Racing, they are now responsible for establishing new supplier relationships and building their operational base. Prock estimates that approximately 95% of their operations are different, with securing parts and equipment presenting the biggest immediate challenge.
Despite the challenges, thirteen crew members joined Prock in making the move, a factor he believes will be crucial to a successful transition. He emphasized the close-knit nature of the team, referring to them as family.
Looking Ahead
Testing in Gainesville is scheduled to provide the first real assessment of the team’s progress. Prock has been intensely focused on preparation, spending the majority of his time in the race shop, even taking only three days off to become engaged to Katlynn. He and the team are meticulously reviewing every component of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
Prock anticipates a mixed reaction from fans, acknowledging the strong loyalty to John Force Racing. He stated that while he doesn’t seek to be a rival, he is prepared to embrace that role if it comes with success on the track. His stated goal is to achieve a run of .84 seconds in Gainesville and consistently turn on the win lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Austin Prock to leave John Force Racing?
According to Prock, the decision stemmed from a desire to ensure his family could continue racing together, and Bob Tasca III offered an opportunity to do so.
How much of a change is this for the Prock team?
Prock stated that approximately 95% of everything is different, requiring them to establish new supplier relationships and build infrastructure from scratch.
When will the team first test their new setup?
Testing is planned in Gainesville, and will be the first opportunity to evaluate the team’s progress.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, what role do you think fan loyalty will play in shaping the competitive landscape of the NHRA?
