Still No Timetable for Robert Hight Return to NHRA Funny Car Competition

Sixteen-time NHRA Funny Car champion and team owner John Force says Robert Hight’s treatments are going well, but stopped short of detailing the medical issue that sidelined the three-time Funny Car title holder at the beginning of the season.

“He’s not in the hospital. He’s at home,” Force said Friday before qualifying began for this weekend’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol, Tenn. “He doesn’t want to come to the races. He doesn’t want to answer all the questions. I never speak for him.”

Austin Prock moved from John Force Racing’s Top Fuel entry into Hight’s Funny Car at the 54-year-old driver’s request. Prock’s father, Jimmy and his brother John also work for JFR.

“Robert said if for any reason I ever have to get out of the car, that’s the kid (Austin Prock) you put in my place,” Force said.

Force said the team lost Prock’s Top Fuel sponsor Flav-O-Pac last year after the company’s owner died.

“Prock didn’t have a ride, and Robert said, ‘I’ve been meaning to do this for a while and this is a good time,’” Force said. “Put him (Prock) in the car … and don’t worry about it. “

Entering the Bristol event, Prock possessed a 22-point lead over the second-place Force in the NHRA Funny Car standings.