Jordan Vandergriff will step into one of the most visible seats in NHRA drag racing in 2026, as John Force Racing announced Friday that the rising star has been named driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for the upcoming NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
The announcement was made during the second day of the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center, marking a significant career milestone for the California native and a key addition to John Force Racing’s championship-caliber lineup.
“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,” Vandergriff says. “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.”
Jordan Vandergriff brings a diverse NHRA résumé to the Funny Car ranks. He made two starts during the 2025 season while filling in for injured Top Fuel driver Shawn Reed at Brainerd and Indianapolis, and competed in 11 Top Fuel events during his rookie season in 2019, highlighted by a runner-up finish in Dallas and two semifinal appearances. He has also served as an NHRA on FOX reporter for the past two seasons, and famously appeared on ABC’s popular “Bachelor” dating program in 2022. He is the nephew of veteran Top Fuel racer Bob Vandergriff, Jr.
“I think the transition to Funny Car is going to be fine,” Vandergriff says. “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 to itch to drive these cars.”
Cornwell Quality Tools has been partnered with John Force Racing since 2019 and has steadily expanded its footprint within the organization. The brand has served as the primary sponsor of the Funny Car program the past two seasons and was the primary sponsor on Brittany Force’s Top Fuel dragster at the 2025 U.S. Nationals, where she set the NHRA national speed record at 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.”
Vandergriff echoed that sentiment, saying, “I have a great relationship with Cornwell Quality Tools and I’m super happy they decided to pick me. 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 2026 lineup will feature 2012 Funny Car champion Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria, and Vandergriff in Funny Car, alongside Josh Hart in Top Fuel. Veteran crew chief Chris Cunningham will lead the Cornwell Tools team after transitioning from the Peak Antifreeze and Coolant Funny Car program.
“This is the opportunity I’ve been working towards. I’ve always wanted to run a full season and compete for a championship,” Jordan Vandergriff says.
Additional announcements from John Force Racing are expected in the coming weeks.
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