The drag racing world is mourning the loss of a true behind-the-scenes champion. Adria (Force) Hight, the eldest daughter of NHRA icon John Force and a cornerstone of the John Force Racing dynasty, has passed away at the age of 56. While her father and sisters grabbed headlines with championship wins and record-breaking runs, Adria was the steady hand that helped build the empire from the ground up.

Born on June 4, 1969, in Huntington Park, California, and raised in Huntington Beach, Adria grew up in the gritty, early days of her father's racing dream—long before John Force Racing became a household name in the NHRA. In those lean years, she was one of the team's very first employees, taking on whatever needed to be done. From answering phones to selling t-shirts out of the back of the race trailer, Adria was the ultimate utility player, keeping the fledgling operation alive when every dollar counted.

That hustle and dedication didn't go unnoticed. As the team grew, so did her role. Adria eventually became the Chief Financial Officer of John Force Racing, where she masterfully navigated the business side of the sport. Her strategic leadership was instrumental in transforming a family-run effort into a 16-time Funny Car championship powerhouse. Her work may have been away from the track's roar, but it was every bit as crucial as a perfect launch off the line.

As the oldest of the Force siblings, Adria was a big sister to Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney—all of whom went on to become professional drivers in NHRA competition. Ashley Force Hood made history in Funny Car, Brittany Force became a multi-time Top Fuel champion, and Courtney Force also competed at the highest level before stepping away. Through it all, Adria remained their rock and the family's anchor, a quiet pillar of support behind the scenes.

But Adria's passion wasn't limited to racing. She had a deep love for music and performed in a band called Mad Man Billy, rocking out at local venues and events. Later, she founded Civil Defense Music, a company dedicated to helping emerging artists find their voice. It was a fitting second act for someone who spent her life building teams—whether on the drag strip or the stage.

In a sport defined by speed and spectacle, Adria (Force) Hight was the engine that never stopped running. Her legacy is woven into every trophy, every win, and every mile John Force Racing has ever traveled. She will be deeply missed by the racing community and everyone who knew her.