John Force’s starting line etiquette was lacking, but his finish line manners were in check during the first round of the NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. Force defeated Ron Capps in the first round to record his monumental 1,000th round win.

Force deep-staged on Capps, proving the newly christened 59-year old still had a bit of slyness to him. John Force’s starting line etiquette was lacking, but his finish line manners were in check during the first round of the NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. Force defeated Ron Capps in the first round to record his monumental 1,000th round win.

Force deep-staged on Capps, proving the newly christened 59-year old still had a bit of slyness to him.

“It’s mental for the drivers,” Force said, and denying he left on Capps although the timing equipment proved otherwise. Force pocketed .045 off of the starting line.

“If we’re going to tell the truth,” Force added, “I almost red-lighted. So, God bless Capps, God bless the Lord, Racers for Christ. At 59, I thought my pump was going to quit today, but thank all of you.”