After the 2nd annual PRO Winter Warm-Ups testing session came to a close Saturday, team owner John Force planned on staying an additional day to test but on Monday he made the decision to stay at Palm Beach International Raceway and test for two additional days. Monday was spent making several laps down the track with Force, Robert Hight, Courtney Force and Brittany Force in the JFR BrandSource Top Fuel dragster all getting extended track time. Tuesday was tacked onto the schedule primarily to concentrate on the Traxxas Mustang Funny Car, rookie driver Courtney Force, her new team and the kinks that come with a brand-new car.
“Testing is important, especially with all of the new people and teams we have coming into our operation this year with Courtney's Traxxas Mustang Funny Car. We have a new driver and a new team and they just need more time to develop their routine. This is really a learning curve for all of us and we're learning things everyday – that's the important thing. We went through the same thing with Ashley in 2007. We just want to be as ready as possible for the Winternationals in Pomona.”
Force pulled in all JFR crew chiefs to help strengthen the Traxxas Mustang Funny Car. Together, all are working on the setup of the car, team-building and driver instruction. The additional sets of eyes and hands are already paying off as turn-around time and pre-stage routines are becoming more fluid for the young team.
“Everyone is working really hard. This is like boot camp, especially for the new guys, but we're going to stay here until we accomplish what we came here to do,” added Force.