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Force will defend Gainesville event title in fan-designed paint scheme

Not that there was ever a doubt in his mind that he'd be back, but 16-time NHRA champ John Force who was involved in a racing accident at the NHRA Arizona Nationals, will compete at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, where he is the defending event champ, with a special-edition paint scheme.
06 Mar 2018
Posted by NHRA.com staff
News
John Force

Seven-time and defending Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals Funny Car champ John Force will race a fan-designed Peak Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS at the upcoming NHRA Gatornationals, March 16-18. 

Not that there was ever a doubt in his mind that he'd be back, but the 16-time NHRA Mello Yello Funny Car champ enters the event rebounding from in a racing accident at the NHRA Arizona Nationals.

Force’s accident occurred in the second round of eliminations Sunday at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. An engine explosion sent his Peak Chevy out of control, crossing the centerline in front of opponent Jonnie Lindberg. The two collided in the shutdown area, damaging both cars and sending Force, NHRA’s all-time win leader, to the hospital for evaluation. He was released later that same day.

Force will be riding in style at Gainesville Raceway with his special-design new Camaro. Peak reached out to fans across the nation for creative designs. William Codianni, 22, from San Diego, was selected from a group of finalist to have his “American Made” themed design adorn Force’s hot rod.

“There are no bigger American classics than the Chevrolet Camaro and John Force,” said Codianni. “I have so much pride in having my design a part of John Force and his Camaro Funny Car. What they both stand for as far as respect of the country and what the flag stands for is amazing.”

“I got an email about a week after the deadline and I thought there was no way I could win. It was in the morning and I was rubbing the sleep out of my eyes but I called the number and I couldn’t believe it when they said I had won,” added Codianni.

When Codianni is not supporting John Force Racing, Peak and the NHRA he is attending races at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona as well as designing cars for his friends for racing themed video games. 

“I have been to Pomona about 20 times and it is the only track where I have seen an NHRA national event. I can’t wait to see the track in Gainesville and I know it will be an amazing experience,” summed up Codianni. 

Codianni will be taking his father with him to the Gatornationals as a thank you for taking him to his first NHRA national event in 2000.