NHRA News: Densham back on his own after four-year stint at John Force Racing (11/19/2004)

Densham back on his own after four-year stint at John Force Racing

By Rob Geiger, NHRA.com
11/19/2004

"A lot of people have asked why I was leaving. Believe me, I didn't want to."
– Gary Densham

For the last four seasons one of the most productive and steady drivers in the crowded Funny Car class has been Gary Densham. The veteran racer with the permanent smile has been a productive member of John Force Racing over that time frame, logging two wins per year and three consecutive top-five finishes. He had become a legitimate threat at every national event in his Auto Club of Southern California Mustang.

But Densham's run at JFR came to an end at the NHRA Finals and the expert pro with 320 races of experience – which accounts for more than 60 percent of all Funny Car races in history – suddenly finds himself looking for a gig. It should be easy for the wildly popular driver with mass crowd appeal, but in today's world of high-dollar racing, nothing is certain.

"In a perfect world I'd find a big sponsor and race for a few more years until I'm ready to quit," said Densham, 58. "Then I'd turn the car over to my son Steven, who is showing a great interest in racing and is doing quite well in his Alcohol Funny Car. The thing is I still love the sport so much.

Densham logged eight wins, eight low qualifiers, and 110 elimination-round wins for John Force Racing.
Racers Edge Photography

"There's a big misconception with the fans. A lot of people have come up to me or called me and asked why I was leaving. Believe me, I didn't want to. You'd have to be an idiot to leave the best team in the world. But I understand what John has to do and I understand his commitment to family. It's just the way it goes some times."

A journeyman racer since the 1970s who raced to six finals with his own race team, which was usually staffed by graduates of Gahr High School where Densham taught auto shop, Densham was asked to drive a third Funny Car at JFR in 2001. Densham and Force had been friends for more than three decades and had a long history of racing together that even included a wild trip to Australia where Force leaned heavily on his pal just to make it from engagement to engagement.

By giving Densham a chance to drive a team car, Force was essentially saying 'thanks' for all the help and guidance Densham had given him over the years.

"I want to be clear that John and I are the best of friends and will be until we croak," Densham said. "Nothing will ever come between us, certainly not racing. He gave me the chance of a lifetime to come over here and run with a team that has the three best hot rods in the world.

"The last two years have been especially rewarding. Working with Jimmy Prock and this crew has been second-to-none. It's hard to get all the pieces in place like we've had here for the last two seasons. Believe me, I know because I did it myself for so long."

Looking to the future, Force has instituted a youth movement with his race team, and he seems to be leaning on keeping things all in the family. He replaced outgoing 2003 champ Tony Pedregon with 30-year-old Eric Medlen, who is the son of longtime JFR crew chief John Medlen. He's made no secret of the fact daughter Ashley Force will be joining the team in a year or two, and that he would love to see his son-in-law, Robert Hight, take Densham's place in the Auto Club car.

It's a cool deal for everyone, except Densham, who is scrambling to stay out on tour.

Densham's victory in Indy this year was a career moment that will never be erased.
Racers Edge Photography

"I was lucky enough to sell all my old stuff when it still had value," Densham said. "And I saved all the paychecks from the last four years so I've been able to go out and buy the latest and greatest stuff. We have three chassis, including one new one, and a Monte Carlo body, so we have most of the stuff we need.

"The idea is to have everything ready to roll so that if a sponsor does come up, we can tell him the truth and say we're ready to go. I have several associate sponsors but I need to be able to commit to running the full series before I'll take their money. I'm not going to lie to people and hope for the best.

"It's the same with crew people. I must have had 100 kids come up to me in Pomona and say they wanted to work for me but I just can't string anyone along until I have a deal. It might hurt me in the short term but it's the way I do business."

Densham's current plans call for him to race in Pomona at the season-opening 45th annual CARQUEST Auto Parts Winternationals. After that, all bets are off.

"I'll run Pomona no matter what," Densham said. "Even if I have to pull my old show car trailer up there next to the high dollar teams and work out of a tool box. I can always drag it home every night to fix whatever I break. If we don't get in, at least I'll have a great pit spot to have a cold beer on Sunday with my friends because they have to park me in the top-10 row.

"What I won't do is run on a limited budget and go to races with the thought that we just want to qualify. If I don't have a shot at winning, I'm not interested in wasting everyone's time. John spoiled me, I guess. I like that champagne in the winner's circle.

"I've been doing this a long time and I'm an eternal optimist. I just hope something comes up and we can stay out there a while longer. I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I wasn't racing. I think we have a lot to offer. I'll continue to do the speeches for AAA to school kids whenever they need me and you can bet your bottom dollar I'll have a smile on my face no matter what happens."

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