Austin Prock has been around wild and unpredictable race cars for much of his life. Fortunately, he's been around John Force Racing long enough to understand sometimes the experience can be one in the same.

In a surprising move, JFR announced on Tuesday that Robert Hight would be stepping away from the seat of his Funny Car for undisclosed medical reasons, and Prock would drive until Hight returned. The timetable for the return was not defined in the team's statement.

Prock was going to be on the sidelines for 2024 after his primary sponsor, Montana Brand, revealed they wouldn't return to drag racing for 2024.

In a bold move, three-time NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Angelle Sampey stepped out of her comfort zone, racing on two wheels and into the world of 270-mph Top Alcohol Dragsters. She quickly adapted to the challenge and quickly established herself as a bona fide front-runner.

Today, her inspiration for the move, Antron Brown, and his AB Motorsports solidified their commitment to Sampey through their ABM Accelerate program in collaboration with Michalek Brothers Racing. 

Midwest Drag Racing Series regular and Pro Modified veteran has a new Larry Jeffers-built Pro Modified for 2024. This season marks his 24th in the volatile doorslammer division, and has been a player in MWDRS since its formation.

Martin, also co-owner of Tulsa Raceway Park, comes to doorslammers following a long history of drag racing motorcycles, which he stepped away from in 2000. The new car arrives just in time as his previous Mustang was sold to a group of owners from Finland, who plan to race the car in Europe this season.

The PRO Superstar Shootout, a combined high-stakes drag race and test session, announced a couple of key sponsorships to throw more money into the expansive sponsorship pot. 

Capco Contractors and Lucas Oil have recently signed on as sponsors for the event. 

Capco will be one of the event’s major sponsors, while Lucas Oil will become a top qualifier bonus provider. 

The Legends Nitro Series will return in 2024 with a 10-race schedule that includes Nostalgia Funny Car racing at NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series and NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events.

The Legends Nitro Series will feature two new stops at Firebird Motorsports Park in Phoenix and Woodburn Dragstrip in Portland.

The series has gained popularity among fans due to the supercharged, nitro-burning engines, cloaked in 1970s-era body styles. The presentation is a throwback to days gone by in drag racing.

With a new stop at Woodburn Dragstrip slated for this season, the NHRA announced an eight-race schedule for the 2024 NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, which will also include a pair of Wally Parks Nostalgia Nationals events.

The popular series features nitro-burning Nostalgia Top Fuel Dragsters and Nostalgia Funny Cars, which continue to be a fan favorite at each stop, as well as additional classes. Among those trying to defend their championships from the standout 2023 season are Tyler Hilton (Top Fuel), Bobby Cottrell (Funny Car) and Wayne Ramay (A/Fuel).

“We’re really thrilled for the 2024 season in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Series, which includes an exciting first by racing at Woodburn Dragstrip,” NHRA Senior Director of Competition Mike Rice said. “The series made its first appearance at Redding last year, and after a great initial event there, we’re excited to go back twice this season. We’ve expanded our schedule and added some new events, so we’re all looking forward to a terrific 2024 season.”

In a shocking move, John Force Racing has announced Austin Prock will take over the driving chores of the Funny Car previously driven by multi-time champion Robert Hight. A statement issued by the team said Hight is stepping away for medical reasons. 

“I have to put my health first,” said Hight who has finished second in the points standings for two consecutive years. “Once this is resolved, I’ll be back. I’ll be looking forward to racing again, I’m a competitor and can’t wait to get back to doing what I love. I know Austin will do a great job in my place for Cornwell Tools, AAA, Chevy and all of the John Force Racing sponsors. I have no doubt he’ll win races.”

Vance & Hines Motorsports will race into the 2024 season with a new primary sponsor as part of a multi-year deal. 

RevZilla, a leading motorcycle gear, parts, and accessories brand, inked a two-year deal, marking the first time their NHRA Drag Racing and MotoAmerica efforts will fall under one title sponsorship umbrella. 

Founded in 2007 as an online retailer of motorcycle gear, parts, and accessories, RevZilla also has retail stores in Newport Beach, Denver, and Philadelphia. 

Getting licensed to drive an NHRA Pro Stock car is all part of a process.

Sienna Wildgust, 17, is in the hurry up and wait mode as part of that process to start her driving career as part of the powerhouse KB Titan Racing team. Sienna’s father Scott drives in the Pro Mod class.

Wildgust, of Stratford, Ontario, Canada, attempted to get her Pro Stock license in her Chevy Camaro, Jan. 9-12 at Bradenton (Fla.) Motorsports Park but was unable to get it because Mother Nature didn’t cooperate to allow her to finish the needed requirements.

In this five-part series, CompetitionPlus.com will explore ten races that were really great at one time, and some were famous, while others were obscure. The bottom line is they were fun and epitomized the spirit of drag racing. 

We will undoubtedly miss a few, but save your judgment until the series ends. Special thanks to Bret Kepner, Dave Wallace, Steve Earwood, and others who helped ensure this series came to fruition with their knowledge of the sport and willingness to contribute.