AP Photo
Sibling rivalries
The Forces
Courtney Force, 23, from left in photo, Brittany Force, 25, and Ashley Force Hood, 29, are NHRA drivers.
Courtney Force never doubted what she would be when she grew up. In elementary school, she drew pictures of race cars, penciling herself behind the wheel of one ride, while depicting her father -- drag racing legend John Force -- as her opponent. When her teachers asked if anyone had a dream job, she screamed, "Race car driver!" before her classmates could raise their hands. "My answer always blew everyone away, and I loved that," Courtney says. "It never crossed my mind that I'm a girl and can't race." She credits big sister Ashley for setting an example. "When Ashley started racing, I remember thinking, that's supposed to be me," Courtney says. "But she paved the way. Brittany and I wouldn't have known where to start if it wasn't for Ashley." In 2008, Ashley became the first woman to win an NHRA Funny Car title, beating her dad in the finals. "I wanted to do that first, too," Courtney says. This February, the youngest Force finally got her chance to line up against Dad, in Phoenix. "It was a big moment," Courtney says. "And I got the win."
