Imagine being born into a family where the smell of burning rubber and the roar of engines are as familiar as your mom’s cooking. That’s the world Adria Hight grew up in. As the eldest daughter of NHRA drag racing legend John Force, Adria didn’t just watch from the sidelines. Nope, she rolled up her sleeves and dove headfirst into the family business, becoming the financial wizard behind John Force Racing’s success. ποΈπ¨
Key Takeaways |
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Adria Hight is the CFO of John Force Racing |
She’s been managing the team’s finances since 1988 |
Adria is married to Robert Hight, a champion drag racer |
Her financial expertise has been crucial to the team’s success |
She balances her career with family life in Yorba Linda, California |
Adria Hight: The Driving Force Behind John Force Racing
Early Life and Family Background
Born in 1969, Adria’s childhood was anything but ordinary. While other kids were playing with toy cars, she was watching her dad, John Force, tear up the drag strip. Talk about a cool “bring your daughter to work day,” right?
But Adria’s family isn’t your average bunch. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Dad: John Force (yep, that John Force)
- Mom: John’s first wife (keeping it low-key)
- Half-sisters:
- Ashley Force Hood
- Courtney Force
- Brittany Force
Now, you might think growing up with a famous dad would be all glitz and glamour. But Adria’s got a different story to tell. “Sure, it was exciting,” she once said in an interview, “but it also taught me the value of hard work and dedication. Dad wasn’t just winning races; he was building a legacy.”
Career at John Force Racing
In October 1988, while most of her peers were figuring out what to do with their lives, Adria made a bold move. She joined John Force Racing as the Chief Financial Officer. Yeah, you read that right – CFO at 19! Talk about a baptism by fire. π₯
But Adria wasn’t just there because of her last name. She brought some serious skills to the table:
- Financial wizardry: Managing the books for four professional AA/FC race teams and two A/Fuel teams is no joke.
- Strategic thinking: Securing sponsorships that keep those wheels turning and engines roaring.
- Long-term vision: Ensuring the team’s financial stability for years to come.
Her dad might be the face of the team, but Adria? She’s the brains behind the operation. As she puts it, “Racing is a business, and someone’s gotta make sure we’re not just burning rubber, but making green too.”
Personal Life
Now, you might think that with all this racing madness, Adria wouldn’t have time for a personal life. But you’d be wrong! She’s married to Robert Hight, and get this – he’s not just her husband, he’s also a two-time NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series Funny Car champion. Talk about a power couple!
Here’s a fun fact: Adria and Robert’s first date was at a drag race. Romantic, huh? π
Together, they’re raising two kids in Yorba Linda, California. And let me tell you, their family dinners must be a hoot. Can you imagine the conversation?
“How was your day, honey?”
“Oh, you know, just managed a multi-million dollar racing empire. You?”
“Not much, just broke another speed record. Pass the salt, please?”
But jokes aside, Adria’s got some serious wisdom about balancing work and family. “It’s not always easy,” she admits, “but when you love what you do and who you do it with, it’s worth every challenge.”
Achievements and Contributions
Okay, so we’ve established that Adria Hight is a total boss. But what exactly has she achieved in her 36 years at John Force Racing? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to take a wild ride through her highlight reel.
First off, let’s talk about the team’s growth. When Adria started as CFO, John Force Racing was a force to be reckoned with, but it wasn’t the dynasty it is today. Under her financial guidance, the team has:
- Expanded to four professional AA/FC race teams and two A/Fuel teams
- Secured major sponsorships from brands like Chevrolet, Castrol, and Auto Club
- Won a mind-boggling number of championships (we lost count after 20)
But it’s not just about the numbers. Adria’s leadership has created a culture of excellence that permeates every level of the organization. As her dad once said, “Adria’s not just keeping the lights on; she’s making sure they shine brighter than ever.”
And the racing world has taken notice. In 2019, Adria was inducted into the NHRA Drag Racing Hall of Fame, a testament to her incredible contributions to the sport. π
Legacy and Impact
So, what does all this mean for Adria’s legacy? Well, let’s put it this way: when people talk about the greatest minds in NHRA drag racing, Adria Hight’s name is right up there with the likes of Don Garlits and Shirley Muldowney.
But her impact goes beyond the track. Adria’s a trailblazer, showing that women can kick ass in a male-dominated industry. She’s not just breaking barriers; she’s blowing them up with 11,000 horsepower. πͺ
And let’s not forget the family legacy. With her dad, sisters, and husband all involved in racing, Adria’s not just a part of John Force Racing; she’s the glue that holds it all together. As her sister Ashley once said, “Adria’s the unsung hero. She’s the one who makes sure we can keep chasing our dreams.”
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the story of Adria Hight, the financial mastermind, the racing trailblazer, the family rock. She’s the kind of person who doesn’t just dream big; she makes those dreams a reality, one quarter-mile at a time.
As we look to the future of John Force Racing, one thing’s for sure: with Adria at the helm, the best is yet to come. Because when you’ve got a Force like Adria on your side, there’s no limit to how far you can go. π
So the next time you hear the roar of a Funny Car engine, think of Adria Hight. Because without her, that sound might just be a distant echo of what could have been.
And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll see Adria’s face on a billboard alongside her dad’s, with the words “The Force Behind the Force” emblazoned in bright, bold letters. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Adria’s story, it’s that in the world of drag racing, anything is possible – as long as you’ve got the drive to make it happen. ππ