Prock to sub for Hight at John Force Racing

Austin Prock will start the NHRA season driving a John Force Racing Funny Car instead of his Top Fuel dragster as Robert Hight tends to undisclosed personal medical matters.

The move was announced on Tuesday and said to be temporary. Hight, a three-time Funny Car champion, plans to return to the seat of his Cornwell Tools/AAA Chevrolet.

“I have to put my health first,” said Hight, who is also the president of John Force Racing. “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.”

Hight was the runner-up in the Funny Car championship last season to Matt Hagan after winning four races and earning seven No. 1 qualifiers. It was the second consecutive season Hight finished second in the championship standings.