BROWNSBURG — An annual rite of late summer on MAC Tools U.S. Nationals weekend once again hits Hendricks County in the form of the popular John Force Racing Car Show.
This year’s event is being expanded and is scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at the John Force Racing shop, 498 Southpointe Circle, Brownsburg.
Sarah Adams, who works in public relations for JFR, said the company has two car shows each year — one in California later in the year, and this one. The Brownsburg event last year brought in about 5,000 people.
“It’s a pretty big deal for us,” Adams said. “It’s a big thing for the community and for families. I know for some it’s part of their family vacations they look forward to every year because it’s so big.
“We’ve added a kids’ zone this year, and we’re hoping that’s a really big thing because we’d never had anything specifically for them. Little kids don’t want to look at the show cars all day and while their parents might be enjoying the band, we’re incorporating Traxxas radio controlled cars into that this year.”
Traxxas is the primary sponsor for Courtney Force’s race car, and a race track will be set up for children with radio controlled cars, along with face painting and other activities.
Adams said the annual event
has intimate meaning to the team, as it’s one of their few chances to really be together all year.
“It’s really nice for all the drivers to be here together because this is one of the very few appearances you can come and get autographs from all of them. Ashley Force Hood will be there. She took the year off to start her family and her little boy just turned 1. I know a lot of people really miss her and don’t get to see her very often. It’s special to have everyone in the same place.”
There will also be popular food trucks from Scratch StreetFood, Byrnes Grilled Pizza, Taco Lassi, and Edwards Dashboard Diner for those that want to make the event part of their dinner routine. Terry Lee and the Rockaboogie Band will provide musical entertainment. It also is a chance to show off the team’s expansion.
“Everyone that comes gets to see the renovations which will be completely finished by the time the show moves around. We’ve connected two buildings together and done some moving around as far as the paint shop and moving stuff around with the museum and you can take a tour of the shop.”
Adams said the race in Indianapolis is one of the major events for the team all year, one that the previous portion of the season is all geared towards and everyone wants to put their best foot forward to qualify for a championship run.
“It’s kind of like our Super Bowl-ish event. Everybody wants to win Indy. There’s a huge entry list in every category and it’s just one of those special races that means a lot to everybody. It’s really crunch time for all the teams because this is the last race you can get locked into the countdown for the championship. Indy is where every one can lock in, and that’s the main goal of the whole pre-season, to get to the countdown. You can’t win the title unless you’re locked in. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s fun. Everyone does fun stuff to get ready for it, because it’s an extended weekend.”
For additional information on the show, visit johnforceracing.com.
Just the facts
WHAT: John Force Racing Car Show
WHEN: 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 30
WHERE: John Force Racing, 498 Southpointe Circle, Brownsburg
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