John Force should have known better.

If you’re going to talk to the Snake … Don Prudhomme … don’t expect any sympathy and most of all, don’t expect any sugarcoating of the obvious.

Force ran into Prudhomme, a team owner and drag racing legend whom Force has idolized throughout his storied career, as he watched Ashley make her run. The two legends struck up a conversation while waiting to see if his daughter Ashley Force Hood’s provisional No. 1 run at the NHRA Summernationals would hold up to the challenge of Ron Capps.

John Force should have known better.

If you’re going to talk to the Snake … Don Prudhomme … don’t expect any sympathy and most of all, don’t expect any sugarcoating of the obvious.

Force ran into Prudhomme, a team owner and drag racing legend whom Force has idolized throughout his storied career, as he watched Ashley make her run. The two legends struck up a conversation while waiting to see if his daughter Ashley Force Hood’s provisional No. 1 run at the NHRA Summernationals would hold up to the challenge of Ron Capps.

Force admitted that Prudhomme has always taken potshots at him over the years but for some reason, the fourteen-time champion believed he’s earned a pass.

“I never had the value he did … couldn’t walk the walk … never had any of the $#** Snake has,” Force admitted. “Him and Bernstein got everything and I got nothing.”

When Mrs. Force Hood ran the 4.10, Force said Prudhomme piped up, “Pretty nice run by your kid.”

Force should have stopped while he was ahead but instead believed the time was right to drop a joke.

“She talks like me … she drives like me … if only she looked like me then she’d have everything,” Force quipped.

“Real cute,” Prudhomme responded. “That’s a pretty quick run … no one was close.”

Force should have known over the years that if you extend too far, you will get snake bit.

“Our cars are identical … you’d think I could run just as quick,” Force offered.

Force confided that he waited for a measure of sympathy from Prudhomme, possibly a comment citing that no two cars are alike.

Force continued, “I think I am just going to drive that car one time and see what it will do.”

Prudhomme paused and looked directly at Force, “I wouldn’t do that.”

Force responded, “Why?”

“You ever think that maybe she’s just better than you?” Prudhomme asked.

Force knew at that moment he should have stopped a while earlier, saying as he walked away, “Ya know Snake … (pause) … we’re done talking.”
 

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