On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Robert Hight confirmed that he is stepping down as President of John Force Racing and announced his retirement from drag racing. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family.
Highlights
- Robert Hight announced his retirement from drag racing on March 13, 2025, and stepped down as president of John Force Racing.
- Robert Hight had announced a hiatus in January 2024, citing his health issues.
- Hight mentioned that he spent quality time with his wife and children during his hiatus and plans to do the same in retirement.
Robert Hight, a prominent NHRA drag racer and president of John Force Racing, has been on a hiatus since January 2024 due to undisclosed health issues.
After over a year away from the racing community, Robert Hight released a statement of his retirement from drag racing on March 13, 2025, as announced by John Force Racing.
In his talk with the company, the three-time NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Champion, Robert Hight, mentioned,
“I had 30 great years at JFR. 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
Robert Hight
A Hall of Fame career in its own right
— Drag Racing Mayhem (@Dragracemayhem) March 13, 2025
Robert Hight was one of the best of his era
Thank you champ !#NHRA pic.twitter.com/ED60TLMtX0
55-year-old, Hight began his career as a crew member on Force’s championship-winning Funny Car in 1995.
Later, he became the facilities manager at JFR before taking on the role of the company’s first designated test driver in 2004.
Furthermore, Robert Hight made his competitive driving debut in 2005, winning in just his fourth career start. Force promoted him to company president in 2011.
After the news of Robert Hight’s retirement from drag racing, Drag Racing Mayhem released a statement on their X (formerly Twitter), writing,
End of an era at John Force Racing. Thanks for the memories, Robert Hight !
Drag Racing Mayhem
Robert Hight Prioritizes Health In 2024, Navigates Challenges At Home
In January 2024, Robert Hight announced he would take a hiatus at the start of the 2024 season to address undisclosed medical concerns.
Austin Prock took over driving duties in his absence, switching from the Top Fuel class to Funny Car.
Moreover, while announcing his hiatus, Robert Hight said he would resume competition as soon as his health permits. The former John Force Racing president stated,
I have to put my health first. Once this is resolved, I’ll be back. I’ll be looking forward to racing again, I’m a competitor and can’t wait to get back to doing what I love.
Robert Hight
John Force shares more on Robert Hight's indefinite absence from NHRA drag racing and then discusses Austin Prock going into the team's Funny Car.
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) June 8, 2024
(I'll have more soon on what else Force said about his future after last weekend's emotional interview) pic.twitter.com/Be15f6E9kv
However, Robert Hight did not mention the specific health hazards he was dealing with. Around July 2024, JFR released a statement that Hight was not in the hospital but at home.
Throughout his hiatus, Robert Hight barely posted updates on his life on social media and appeared in the media.
Regarding Robert’s health issues and updates, John Force had stated,
No, Robert’s good. What’s he going through right now, the process is continually. He’s not in the hospital. He’s at home. He just doesn’t want to come to the races. He don’t want to answer all the questions,
John Force
During Hiatus, Robert Hight Cherished Family Time With Wife, Leslie, And Children
Robert Hight married his wife, Leslie Ford Hight, on August 6, 2021. Previously, he married the oldest daughter of John Force, Adria Hight Force.
Adria and Robert had a daughter, Autumn Hight, 20, who followed her father’s career path and competed in Super Comp dragsters.
Furthermore, Robert Hight is also a guardian to his stepson, Leslie’s son from a previous marriage.
On his social media, there are glimpses of the family of four in the racing course, and competition supporting and cheering up one another.
Moreover, during his hiatus, Robert Hight spent quality time with family, and now, after his announcement of retirement, the former racing champion has stated that he wants to spend more time with his wife and family.
Additional Information
- Robert Hight’s parents owned a clothing store in Alturas, Northern California.
- As of 2025, the estimated net worth of Robert Hight is around $3 million.
