NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Jordan Vandergriff has been named as the driver of John Force Racing’s Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

The announcement was made Friday at the NHRA booth during Day 2 of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.

“This is a dream come true to have the opportunity not only with John Force Racing, the premier team in NHRA Drag Racing, but to drive the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Funny Car for the greatest Funny Car driver of all time,” said Vandergriff. “As a kid growing up in the sport, you look at John and you see the greatness he's portrayed, so the fact that I get to drive a Funny Car for him is amazing.”

The California native had two NHRA starts in 2025, driving in relief of injured Top Fuel driver Shawn Reed in Brainerd and Indianapolis. In the 11 Top Fuel races of his rookie season in 2019, Vandergriff earned a runner-up finish in Dallas and two other semifinal showings. He has served as an NHRA on FOX reporter the past two seasons.

“I think the transition to Funny Car is going to be fine. I've proven that I can drive the Top Fuel car well, and the Funny Car presents a new fun challenge. It's a shorter wheelbase and a lot more violent, but I did some test hits in 2024 in John's car, and ever since, I've had the itch to drive these cars,” he said.

Cornwell Quality Tools began its partnership with John Force Racing in 2019 and has steadily expanded its presence. They have been the primary sponsor of the Funny Car program the past two seasons and held the primary position on Brittany Force’s Top Fuel dragster team at the 2025 NHRA U.S. Nationals when she set the national speed record of 343.51 mph. Cornwell Quality Tools is also the Official Professional Tools of NHRA.

“We are incredibly excited about today’s announcement from John Force Racing and to welcome Jordan Vandergriff to the Cornwell Tools Funny Car program,” said Cornwell Quality Tools CEO Bob Studenic. “Jordan is a dynamic talent with the skill, professionalism, and competitive fire that align perfectly with Cornwell’s values and our commitment to excellence.

“With more than 810 hardworking, USA-based Cornwell dealers representing our brand coast to coast, this partnership is bigger than racing — it’s a celebration of the drive, integrity, and craftsmanship that define who we are. Our dealers, employees, and customers have helped build Cornwell Tools into a championship-caliber organization, and we look forward to standing beside Jordan and the entire JFR team as we chase even greater success in the year ahead.

“This is an exciting moment for Cornwell Tools. We’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship with John Force Racing, and we can’t wait for our dealers to experience another season of world-class competition with the Cornwell Tools Funny Car.”

“I have a great relationship with Cornwell Quality Tools, and I'm super happy they decided to pick me,” said Vandergriff. “They’re such a quality brand, and they've done so much in the world of NHRA Drag Racing. I’m excited that I get to help their dealers sell tools and celebrate race wins together!”

John Force Racing’s full 2026 lineup will include 2012 Funny Car champion Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria, and Vandergriff in Funny Car and Josh Hart in Top Fuel.

“We’re proud to announce Jordan Vandergriff as the driver of the Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for John Force Racing,” John Force said. “We worked closely with the folks at Cornwell Tools to make sure we had the right fit for their program. Jordan did a great job when he tested with us a couple of years ago, but we didn’t have a place for him at the time. Now that we have all of our drivers in place, we can focus 100% on preparing our cars and teams for the 2026 season.”

Veteran crew chief Chris Cunningham will move to the Cornwell Tools team from John Force Racing’s Peak Antifreeze and Coolant Funny Car with 2012 Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman. Cunningham has been a key part of John Force Racing in various positions since 2016.

“This is the opportunity I've been working towards. I've always wanted to run a full season and compete for a championship,” said Vandergriff. “I want the chance to run with the best and prove that I can be one of the best. This car has won two championships in a row, and Cunningham has so much experience. I have great respect for what he's done in the sport, and I'm honored that I get to work with him.”

Further announcements from John Force Racing will be made in the coming weeks.