John Force Haters Enter:

[Marvin Robinson]

Originally Posted by 427_ED

Which pro drivers would have won championships if there were no "Countdown" or "points take-away system" ?

I haven't done the math on it, but remember, the countdown was put in place to keep from having a runaway season for a driver wrapping up the Championship during the Western swing as has happened in the past. It was to create World Finals "drama" by keeping the race close and the possibility of the Crown being on the line at the last race(s). (Have you forgotten how "ho, hum" some of the World Finals have been when the Champ was crowned weeks in advance?)

Like it or lump it, the Countdown has achieved it's purpose, in spades, and probably increased spectator and sponsorship participation. Some who would have been winners under the old system have lost, and some have been granted a new chance to win in a season with trouble spots, but the true cream still rises to the top, all season consistency is still the biggest factor.... and the World finals have been nail biters for sure.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the Countdown in the beginning, but from a marketing standpoint, I gotta admit it really has achieved it's purpose, and the excitement in the last 4 races is infectious.

[Ron Ortiz]

He earned it all. From nothing to one of the most succesful motorsports team ever. I believe he had 8 runner ups before he scored. Then he surrounded himself with top notch crews. Coil, Fedderly, Beard, Neff, etc. Built his racing empire within the family. Markets himself, his daughters, and sponsors. Taped into the media market via print, visual, and a show. Created an in house program long before others. Spends time with fans and creates memories for thousands. Brought safety to the forefront and incorporated major car manufacturers into research. Established a relationship with AAA that spread into the community. And, he wins quite often. Not bad. I'm sure there are plenty of you that do not like him for some of the things that he says or does, but bottom line, you wish that you could be in his position.

The Countdown. You do not like it if your favorite ran good all year and then got beat in the playoffs. But you say the system is great if your favorite comes from the bottom and wins it. It is just like your favorite NFL team, MLB, NHL, or NBA. It is the playoffs. Time to rock and roll. First you have to make the playoffs.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA a drag racing fan and participant.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by 427_ED

Which pro drivers would have won championships if there were no "Countdown" or "points take-away system" ?

Mike Edwards this year! And I think John is great for reasons Ron and others have outlined....some people don't remember when he was always "second best"....he has so much determination!

[Bill Koski]

Rod Fuller and Doug Kalitta for two!

[BobOrme]

Originally Posted by Ron Ortiz

The Countdown. You do not like it if your favorite ran good all year and then got beat in the playoffs. But you say the system is great if your favorite comes from the bottom and wins it. It is just like your favorite NFL team, MLB, NHL, or NBA. It is the playoffs. Time to rock and roll. First you have to make the playoffs.

In the NFL, MLB, NHL and NBA, you can't be knocked out during the playoffs by someone who isn't in the playoffs. In The Countdown, you can. That's why it isn't analogous to other sports.

[rapid1055]

I think that "Haters" may not apply to some that might
have a different view/opinion in regard to some of the comments.
Examples and response as follows:
John struggled...I'm sure he is not alone in that category.
His dedication and hard work....I'm sure everyone can relate to that one.
He never forgets to thank his sponsors....That's just smart buisness practices.
I believe these are personal traits than would apply to many drag racers including all the great racers on this site.
What did it for me is when they took the time during the telecast at one of the national events to announce how many trips John had taken on his bike.
What was the value added with that information.
Also, I know it was done for safety reasons and it was a good decision to do so, but they are not full 1/4 mile runs. Driver Safety is first and foremost and that's the way it should be.

[davidhuff]

Congrats to John Force Racing for their second championship in two years.Best championships MONEY CAN BUY!

[Rick Blake]

John Force has earned it....period......If you don't know the John Force from the old days, you simply may never understand.....Congrats Mr. Force.....!!!!!!!

[Mike Keener]

I had the pleasure of running in to John at LAX back in August. I introduced myself to him and although he didn't remember me or Merc by name he did remember our Modified Cars from years past which really surprised me. During our three or four minute conversation I never felt for one second that he was insincere or any kind of a guy who deserves any bad mouthing at all. He didn't have to give me the time of day but he did, and my impression of him was that he truly appreciated being recognized out of uniform and away from the track.

When we parted ways he even said "nice to meet you sir" and good luck to you this season". Geeze John, Sir? Hell I'm only two years older than you are!LOL. Anyway, I really enjoyed getting a chance to speak with him and in my opinion John is really a genuine nice guy!

MK

[Cam]

A few years ago my son and I were walking through the staging lanes and spotted the Castrol funny car. We were taking a look when out of the blue Force appears and asks us how we are doing, and are we enjoying the races. We chatted briefly then he asked if we had anything he could autograph. Before we could answer he said "Hold On" and took off at a high rate of speed. He roared back with a borrowed pen and signed our ball caps. As we walked away we were both thinking, did that really happen?
We have all seen the media side of JFR, but underneath he is just John, enjoying the life he has been given. Probably a lesson in there for all of us.