About Jack

Hobbies: Surfing, motorcycle riding, going to the movies, and working out when I'm not lazy.

I got my start in racing... in 1973 my uncle John began to take my brother and I to OCIR, Ontario, Irwindale and Bakersfield, and I was immediately hooked. I made my first run (a 15.06) at Lubbock Dragway in Texas while I was serving in the military.

What I love most about racing...(Sportsman)-just about EVERYTHING; working on the car in my garage, towing to the races, making the ‘perfect run', WINNING, and all of the friends that I spend time with. (Pro)-qualifying at or near the top, driver intros Sunday morning, listening to the National Anthem before suiting up, and the crew's reaction when we win.

Most unusual day at the races...driving three cars (blown alcohol FED, blown alcohol altered, and nostalgia nitro funny car) on the same day. Also, driving two cars (Top Fuel and Super Comp) plus “cackling” a 1970 Top Fueler at the 2005 Finals.

Most embarrassing moment at the races: I was racing my ElCamino and came up late one evening for a ‘time only' run after eliminations. The starter motioned at his head, signaling something. I thought he was giving me an “all clear” sign, so I gave him a “thumbs up”. Again he gestured at his head, and just as I was getting ready to give him another acknowledgement, I happened to notice a large red object in my peripheral vision sitting in the passenger seat. That's right about the time I realized that a Valvoline cap was on my head-not my red helmet! (There are plenty of other stories that I'll share eventually).

Toughest thing about racing: (Sportsman)- Keeping the car fresh, serviced, and race ready while maintaining a full time job and trying to keep up with the bills, towing all night after a day of work to get to the races, and towing all night Sunday after the race, knowing that I need to be at work at 7:30am Monday.
(Pro)- Keeping up with the schedule when we need to do appearances, photos, meet and greets, and hospitality on the same day as we run. Also, feeling like I've let down my crew if I make mistakes on a run.

The best car I ever had... (Sportsman)- The Blackbird Super Comp dragster has been with me since 1995. I've made more than 1500 runs in it and it feels like a second skin. (Pro)- My current ride, the DSR/MTS Dodge Charger that owns both records. This car is one badass hot rod!

My toughest loss: (Sportsman)- The 2004 Jeg's All-Stars final round stands out. I was still going through chemotherapy and I had scheduled my treatments around that race. I left first against Jim Perry (the defending champ) and I should have been able to translate that into a win. A win at the All-Stars is very prestigious, and I did a poor job of driving the finish line and broke out. I sure would have liked a “do-over” on that. (I did race Jim AGAIN later that same night-in the third round of the National event-and was fortunate to beat him, but I would gladly have swapped places with him.
(Pro)- Losing to Force in the final round of the World Finals while running the quickest run in the history of Funny Car. John rolled in a bunch while staging, but those who don't understand think that he left on me and consider it a holeshot loss.

Favorite opponent: I always seem to have close races against Brent Cannon and Tom Bayer, two of my close friends. Jenna and I have had some good ones. And folks like Rampy, Ferderer, Erks, and the Richardsons always demand my best. I enjoyed running Tony Schumacher in the Top Fueler, and pulling up next to Scelzi, Capps or Force is like a dream come true!

Last person I'd want to race in a final... Who cares, I'm in the final!!

The race I'll never forget...My first national event win at the 1998 Winternationals. I was in a borrowed car, and it was just a “fairy tale” weekend getting into the winner's circle. The round I'll never forget is the fourth round of the 2003 Finals that locked up the World Championship for me. My Top Fuel debut in Vegas in 2005 was awesome, and winning Funny Car in Vegas in 2006.

People I most admire in racing:
John Force for the person he is even more than his driving abilities (though he is the best). He is such a lovable, caring person and does so much for others.

Don Garlits for being the Renaissance Man of drag racing- he has done EVERYTHING from building chassis', engines and experimental vehicles to booking appearances, driving, opening a museum, and writing. He was involved at a time when the rules allowed much ‘free thinking', and he was able to excel due to his abilities and work ethic. He was tough through four decades.
Don Prudhomme for his talent behind the wheel and ferocious tenacity.
Bob Glidden for showing what was possible to someone who put in 24 hours a day seven days a week. I admire so many of the pioneers like Art Chrisman and the hitters in the ‘60's and 70's like James Warren, Shirley Muldowney and dozens of others who are my ‘Babe Ruth's'! And a guy that I thought highly of 15 years ago who I now think is one of the greatest thinkers on the planet is Frank Hawley. And as far as just plain tough to beat people, throw in Scelzi, Austin Coil, and Alan Johnson.

If I wasn't a racer, I would... have a nicer house, drive a newer car, have a boat, travel more, and spend more time with family and friends. I also would probably be a pain to be around.

I knew I'd made it when...Suiting up for my first race in the Top Fuel car while listening to the National Anthem was about as good as it gets. Making the cover of National Dragster after winning in the Funny Car is what every racer dreams of. It just seemed so surreal. Winning the Super Comp National Championship was a wonderful achievement that I cherish.

Lifelong hero: What my parents did for my brother and I will probably become even more significant to me as I watch my child grow. They made the “right” decisions, not necessarily the “easy” ones. People who sacrifice for others and folks who overcome adversity get a vote from me.

I'm really good at...I like people, and I think that caring makes me a good teacher. I'm good at blocking out distractions and focusing on what needs to get done in the racecar.

Favorite movies: Shawshank Redemption, Groundhog Day, Remember the Titans.

Favorite entertainers: John Force and Gary Scelzi

Favorite actors: Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Robin Williams

Favorite CD: Boston's debut album / Any ‘hair band' ballad albums

Favorite song: Sister Christian by Night Ranger

Favorite music: Classic rock and any “hair band” 80's rock.

Favorite TV shows: Anything on the History Channel. I also like House, and I really enjoy the writing on Scrubs. The UFC is very exciting.

Favorite Website: NHRA.com

Favorite foods: Bob's Big Boy. I enjoy most all foods, as long as it's not too spicy, or raw.

Favorite sports team: I grew up a Dodger's fan, but I think people get too hyped up about the home team without thinking about why they are fans. Now I usually just like to see a good contest and appreciate the team that plays best.

Pet peeves: Inconsiderate and rude people, disingenuous people who have ulterior motives, and people who like to pat their own backs about everything.

Personal vehicles: '01 PT Cruiser, 2000 Ford Motorhome (tows Blackbird), '96 Nissan PU (235K miles), Kawasaki Vulcan 1500, '68 El Camino (my first car-took my driving test in it on my 16th B-day. -also my first racecar-).

Biggest regrets: I lost my mother to cancer when she was 50. I wish that I could have done more for her. She gave up a lot for me my entire life. I also regret not getting more formal education, but I still can do that.

Nobody knows I...dropped out of high school and eventually took the GED........got my nickname from the “FJ” on my Yamaha FJ600 that I owned while in the Air Force.......spent almost 11 years as an elevator repairman....can be the laziest man on the planet........really don't like talking on the phone.

I wish I could stop...sleeping in when I don't have to be somewhere at a given time........procrastinating.........getting so many phone calls each day.

I'd give anything to meet...Jesus.......the founding fathers........Abe Lincoln.......the Wright brothers.....Babe Ruth.

Modern conveniences I can't live without...the cell phone. The internet and cable TV are right there as well.

I'm better than anyone at...dealing with high-stress situations. I'm really good at taking two hours to do a one hour job. Oh yeah, I rock at music trivia and drag race history.

I hope I never have to...go through cancer again or have a loved one become gravely ill.

I've never been able to...manage my time efficiently.

Smartest thing I've ever done...enlisting in the Air Force. I learned a lot about discipline and developed many skills..........never stopped chasing my dream of Professional racing.

Dumbest thing I've ever done...not taking advantage of travel and education while in the Air Force.

Best time of my life...right now! I'm racing, married, expecting my first child, and was able to survive cancer and understand how many people care about me without having to die.

Worst time of my life...losing my mother in 1994 to cancer........going through cancer myself and not knowing whether or not I was going to live.

Best advice I ever received...Treat others as you want to be treated. Stick to your goals and maintain a positive outlook.

Worst advice I ever received...you'll never make a living around those cars.

Advice to aspiring racers: Race within your means and enjoy it. If you don't enjoy racing, find something else. Don't gloat in you successes, and take the losses as an education. Never be a poor sport. Be dignified.