Jordan Vandergriff is having his Cinderella Story moment with John Force Racing in the 2026 Season. His recent win at the NHRA Southern Nationals is proof that his hard work learning the art of driving a Funny Car has paid off.
We caught up with him to talk about the dedication it took to reach this position, what he’s looking forward to this season, and even a few facts fans are dying to know about him.
A year ago, Vandergriff was a reporter for NHRA on FOX. While he remained in the spotlight within the drag racing world, he wasn’t quite where he truly wanted to be, behind the wheel of a race car. Now, he has that opportunity in the Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car, following the Prock family’s departure from John Force Racing during the offseason.
Vandergriff shared his mindset on reaching this moment.
“Just don’t give up and do everything you can. If you know that you have a goal and you want to do something, chase it and don’t stop. There are going to be hard moments—there were plenty for me. I just never gave up. I found different avenues within the sport and kept pushing forward. I told myself, ‘I’m going to do this no matter what,’ and it’s all paid off. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
During the 2025 season, Vandergriff had the opportunity to pilot a Top Fuel Dragster for Shawn Reed Racing after Reed’s accident in Seattle. That experience, combined with his current role in the Cornwell Quality Tools Funny Car, has given him a unique perspective on both platforms.
“The speed is close between the two, but the Funny Car picks up a little more speed down track, you can feel that, especially early on,” Vandergriff explained. “Beyond that, they’re very different. A dragster can glide through the air, and you can guide it more easily. With a Funny Car, if it makes a move, you have to correct it quickly. Everything happens faster, and your response has to be quicker.”
When it comes to favorite tracks, Vandergriff points to Pomona, citing both personal history and limited racing experience there.
“Pomona will always have my heart since I’m from Southern California. Growing up, I’d go to the track to watch my uncle race. I’ve only had the chance to race there once, so I’m really looking forward to getting two runs there this season.”
As for goals, Vandergriff isn’t shy about expectations.
“I’d be lying if I said the goals aren’t high. This Cornwell Quality Tools Funny Car has won the last two championships, and everyone knows that. We’re a new team, and I’m a new driver, but we’re coming in with those expectations. We want to carry on what the last team did and make it three in a row.”
When asked about his favorite livery, Vandergriff pointed to one of the most iconic designs in drag racing history.
“The classic John Force Castrol body from 1997, the green, red, and white, it’s just iconic. When I think of John Force, that’s the car I picture.”
Away from the track, Vandergriff describes himself as more low-key than fans might expect.
“I’m a big homebody. I don’t do much outside of racing and going to the gym. I’ve spent most of my time working to get back to this point. When I’m not working, I like being at home by myself.”
While he has plenty of memories from his time in drag racing, one recent moment stands out above the rest.
“Growing up, I had a lot of great memories, and even in my rookie year, there were plenty. But my favorite moment recently was during preseason testing in Gainesville. Driving for John is a dream come true, it still feels surreal. During the licensing process, I was making runs when John popped his head into the trailer and said, ‘Good job, you’re making it look easy.’ That meant a lot to me. It really hit me in that moment.”
Vandergriff is eager to see what he can accomplish this season with John Force Racing as he continues living out his dream. So far, he has recorded two semifinal finishes and a win in the first four races of NHRA’s 75th anniversary season. Clearly, the team has started to hit its stride and could become a title contender as the season continues.
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