Photo courtesy NHRA/National Dragster

Following a year out of the seat and the public eye, three-time NHRA Funny Car world champion Robert Hight formally announced his retirement from drag racing and as President of John Force Racing on Thursday, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

“I had 30 great years at JFR,” Hight said. “But being out of the car last year made me realize there are other things I want to do, especially with my wife Leslie and my family. John opened so many doors for me and I’m just glad I was there to help him and the company through everything that happened last year.”

Photo courtesy NHRA/National Dragster

“Family is everything,” Force said. “So as much as I’ll miss Robert, I understand that he has some other things he wants to do. He was a big part of the success of John Force Racing for more than 25 years. I love him and I wish him well in whatever he decides to do. Down the line, we’ll name a new President, but right now we’ve got a great team in place and I’m looking forward to working closer with everyone.”

John Force Racing cited health concerns as the precursor to Hight’s absence in 2024; he made no public appearances or statements, but was referenced in comments made by the team during John Force’s recovery from a mid-season crash and by Jack Beckman in the subsequent search for a replacement driver.

Photo courtesy NHRA/National Dragster

Before winning 65 races in Funny Car and a trio of championships, Robert Hight was an integral part of Force’s dominant team, joining the crew in 1995. He later served as the Facilities Manager before becoming the company’s first designated test driver in 2004. He made his debut in 2005, assuming the driving duties of the AAA-backed entry from Gary Densham. He won in just his fourth career start and earned rookie of the year honors that year. Force promoted Hight to company president in 2011. Hight shares a daughter, Autumn, with Force’s eldest daughter, Adria. Autumn has followed in her father’s footsteps, climbing the ranks from junior dragsters to Super Comp in recent years.

Hight, known to enjoy sport shooting in his free time, recently acquired Spanish Fork, Utah-based Shotgun Works, a barrel tuning business and maker of accessories for shotguns, from its founder, Tom Wilkinson.

“Robert has recently retired from racing and will be conducting the business full time going forward,” said Wilkinson. “I have been training Robert and he will have all the identical machines and all of my proprietary equipment used in my business. He is very committed and skilled in the type of machining experience and knowledge needed to carry the business forward with great success.”