Adria (Force) Hight, the eldest daughter of NHRA legend John Force and a foundational figure behind John Force Racing, has died at the age of 56. Her passing marks the loss of a key architect behind one of the most successful teams in drag racing history.
A Life Rooted in the Family Business
Born June 4, 1969, in Huntington Park, California, Hight grew up immersed in the world of motorsports long before John Force Racing became a dominant name in NHRA competition. Raised in Huntington Beach, she witnessed the early struggles and growth of her father’s team, eventually becoming one of its first employees.
A Builder Behind the Scenes
While many associate the Force name with championship drivers and on-track success, Adria Hight’s role was rooted in the foundation of the operation. In the early days, she handled whatever was needed, answering phones, selling merchandise out of the race trailer, and helping keep the fledgling team afloat. That hands-on involvement evolved into a leadership role as she became chief financial officer of John Force Racing. In that position, Hight helped guide the organization’s business operations, playing a major role in transforming it from a family-run effort into a powerhouse team. Her work largely took place away from the spotlight, but it was critical to the team’s long-term success.
Family at the Center
Hight was the oldest sibling in the Force family and maintained close relationships with her younger sisters, Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney, each of whom went on to become professional drivers in NHRA competition. Ashley Force Hood made history in Funny Car, while Brittany Force became a multi-time Top Fuel champion, and Courtney Force also competed in Funny Car before stepping away from racing. Throughout their careers, Adria remained a steady presence behind the scenes, helping support both the team and the family. John Force once reflected on the role racing played in bringing his family together, noting that Adria was central to that dynamic.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Adria (Force) Hight, the oldest daughter of John Force.
After graduating from Huntington Beach High School, Adria joined the family drag racing business, becoming one of the first employees of John Force Racing.
She played… pic.twitter.com/50GUUKoK31
— John Force Racing (@JFR_Racing) May 1, 2026
Life Beyond Racing
Outside of motorsports, Hight had a strong connection to music. She performed in a band called Mad Man Billy, playing shows at local venues and events, and later founded Civil Defense Music, a company focused on supporting emerging artists. She was also known for her outgoing personality and ability to connect with people, whether at the racetrack or in everyday life. Hight shared a daughter, Autumn, with former NHRA Funny Car driver Robert Hight, and the two remained connected through racing, often attending events together. In later years, Hight relocated to Indiana, where she continued to spend time traveling with her daughter to Super Comp races.
Final Days and Legacy
Adria Hight died April 28, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by family. Private services will be held, with burial planned at Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre Haute, Indiana, and a public celebration of her life is expected to take place later in California. John Force Racing confirmed her passing in a statement, noting her early involvement in the team and her lasting impact.
Though she never competed behind the wheel, Adria Hight’s influence on NHRA racing is undeniable. From the earliest days of John Force Racing through its rise to prominence, she remained a constant, helping build, sustain, and shape a legacy that continues to define the sport.
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