December 1st 2025

Josh Hart Named New John Force Racing Top Fuel Driver for 2026 as NHRA’s 75th Season Ushers in a New

Two-time NHRA Top Fuel winner Josh Hart is officially stepping into one of the most iconic seats in all of motorsports. Beginning in 2026, Hart will drive for John Force Racing (JFR), joining the sport’s most legendary organization as the NHRA celebrates its historic 75th anniversary season. In an in-depth interview during EPARTRADE Industry Week, Hart reflected on his remarkable entrepreneurial journey, the growth of Burnyzz Speed Shop, and the life-changing opportunity to race at 340+ mph under the John Force Racing banner.

From $300 and a Dream to a Global Automotive Enterprise

Hart’s story begins far from professional drag racing’s biggest stages. In 2010, he and his wife, Brittany, launched what would become Burnyzz Speed Shop with just $300 in their bank account, operating as a mobile car-detailing service.

“We went door-to-door cleaning cars in people’s driveways,” Hart said. “I started installing superchargers in a one-bay garage. Cars were the only thing I was ever sure about in life.”

Fifteen years later, Burnyzz Speed Shop has grown into a 100,000-plus-square-foot full-service super-facility occupying nearly an entire city block in Ocala, Florida. The company now:

Buys, sells, trades, and consigns iconic collector vehicles
Houses a full in-house build shop with no subcontracting
Operates a complete service and upgrade center
Maintains 75 vehicles in constant inventory
Ships vehicles worldwide, including Australia, Brazil, and Switzerland

With new partners joining in 2025, Burnyzz is now preparing for nationwide expansion—a milestone Hart never imagined when he was washing cars out of a water tank in the bed of his first pride and joy: a 1999–2001 Ford Lightning pickup.

“That truck changed everything,” Hart said. “It’s the first vehicle I ever raced. It’s the reason Burnyzz exists. It represents freedom.”

A Storybook Entry Into NHRA Top Fuel

Hart rocketed into NHRA Top Fuel with one of the most memorable debuts in recent history—winning his first Top Fuel race with Don “Big Daddy” Garlits in attendance. While subsequent seasons brought challenges, Hart never stopped pushing forward.

“It was a storybook start,” he said. “But racing humbles you. We’ve struggled. And that’s why joining John Force Racing is such a game-changer.”

How the John Force Racing Deal Came Together

Discussions with John Force began quietly in fall of 2024, gaining momentum through multiple conversations during the season. By the time the tour reached Indianapolis, Hart knew a decision had to be made.

“I had to ask myself how crazy it was to expect different results by doing the same thing,” Hart said. “We got serious. I signed at Indy. And it’s been full steam ahead ever since.”

The move required a massive personal shift. Hart shut down Josh Hart Racing, transitioning out of team ownership to focus fully on driving and on Burnyzz Speed Shop. His priority throughout the process was taking care of his crew.

“The magic is made in the pits,” Hart said. “The driver has the loud pedal, but those guys build the car. I made sure every one of them landed where they wanted to be.”

Now, without the burden of payroll, logistics, and insurance, Hart is fully committed to driving at 150%.

Entering a Legendary Organization

Hart’s first visit inside John Force Racing headquarters left an indelible impression.

“I was proud of what I built—but when I walked into JFR, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh… this is a whole other level,’” he said.

He has already completed his first capsule fitting under the guidance of John Collins and crew chief David Grubnic, with final fitting scheduled at PRI. Testing is expected shortly before the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gator Nationals in Gainesville.

Filling a Seat Built for Speed

With Brittany Force stepping away from driving to begin a family and John Force retiring from on-track competition, Hart now inherits the fastest production race car in the world.

“You realize you’re about to drive the fastest car on earth,” Hart said. “Not many people can say that. I hope we go for the jugular every time.”

Hart’s personal best Top Fuel speed stands at 336 mph, but he is already eyeing the next milestone.

“I know I’m going to need to drop some weight. I’m focusing on fitness. I want to crest that 343 mark.”

He described the paradox of Top Fuel brutally:
“The slow runs beat you to death. The faster the car goes, the smoother the ride. At 340+, it’s violent—but it’s beautiful.”

A Humble Approach to a Massive Spotlight

Becoming a John Force Racing driver places Hart in one of the brightest spotlights in motorsports. Yet he remains characteristically grounded.

“You’re always going to get the real me,” he said. “No fake personalities. I’m always even-keeled. I’ll handle it like I handle everything—by being myself.”

Hart also expressed deep respect for Brittney Force’s decision to prioritize family and credited her for helping him navigate the transition into JFR.

“She’s broken every record there is. What more does she need to prove?”

NHRA at 75: Growth, New Markets, and New Energy

Hart is especially energized by the NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, which includes:

New markets and new venues
The return to Rockingham
Growth at Maryland’s Potomac Nationals
Expansion at South Georgia Motorsports Park
A new national reality-TV presence on VICE

He also praised NHRA leadership and team owners for pushing growth forward.

“Everybody’s rowing in the same direction,” Hart said. “That’s exciting to see.”

Building the Next Generation of Car Culture

Beyond championships and speed, Hart is deeply invested in the future of car culture. At Burnyzz and at the track, his focus is access.

“I live at the ropes,” he said. “Good or bad—I want to hear it. I want young people to fall in love with cars.”

To Hart, nothing replaces the sensory experience of combustion.

“The sound of a V8. The smell of fuel. Standing next to a 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel car—it changes you,” he said. “TV can’t give you that.”

He also emphasized the often unseen artistry behind the scenes.

“Watch these guys rebuild an engine in 43 minutes. It’s a symphony. That’s where the magic is.”

A New Chapter at Full Throttle

As NHRA enters its 75th season and Hart prepares to take over the reins of a JFR Top Fuel dragster, his focus is clear: drive flat-out, serve the fans, honor the legacy, and continue proving that anything truly is possible.

“I’m excited to still be in the seat—let alone that seat,” Hart said. “I want to make everyone proud. I’ll do the best I can.”