Keeping his emotions in check will be one of the keys this week for “Fast Jack” Beckman when he drives the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet SS in pursuit of the Funny Car championship in the 12th NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway.
The 58-year-old Californian, currently second in Mission Foods points behind teammate Austin Prock, will begin the qualifying process Friday on the all-concrete track on which John Force earned his 157th tour victory just one year ago.
“My sights are firmly set on Epping for several different reasons,” Beckman said, “the least of which is not the fact that the last time the PEAK Chevrolet ran here, it was my boss John Force behind the wheel – and he left with the trophy.
“I’m also looking forward to capitalizing on the momentum from our victory last race in Chicago, which might’ve been the most satisfying of my entire career,” said the man who has won NHRA World Championships in both Funny Car (2012) and Super Comp (2003).
Although he has yet to raise the trophy at the New England Nationals and hasn’t raced at New England Dragway since 2019, Beckman is still looking forward to his return, which will include an appearance in Saturday’s Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.
“Racing at Epping is like going back 50 years in a time machine, and I love that atmosphere,” said the cancer survivor and U.S. Air Force veteran. “(The track) has some of the most welcoming and enthusiastic fans in the country. So, for John, PEAK and all the fans, know that this PEAK Squad is on the hunt!”
Out of the sport for almost four years after winning three times and finishing third in points in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Beckman was summoned back last August after Force was injured in a high-speed crash at Richmond, Va.
He responded with two wins during the six-race Countdown to the Championship, finishing second in points behind only teammate Austin Prock. He has added a pair of victories this year, boosting to 37 the number of times he has won in a Funny Car.
This story was originally published on May 28, 2025. 
