Drag Illustrated Issue 151, December 2019 | Page 81

AUSTIN
PROCK
■ GROWING UP in a standout drag racing
family, Austin Prock knew all about performing
under pressure. But even this seemed a bit daunt-
ing for the Top Fuel rookie.
Making his professional debut, Prock found
himself racing for John Force with backing from
Don Prudhomme. It was his version of jumping
right into the fire, but that’s precisely the chal-
lenge he wanted.
“Getting this opportunity from legends like
that, it just gives me confidence. It’s not pres-
sure,” Prock says. “Those are two of the biggest
names in the sport and for them to believe in
me and give me this shot, it just gives me a lot
of confidence. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportu-
nity and I’m just trying to make them proud.”
Prock has delivered, earning rave reviews from
Force, Prudhomme and nearly everyone else in
the sport. He picked up his first career Top Fuel
win in Seattle, advanced to the playoffs in his
rookie year, finished in the top 10, grabbed the
NHRA Auto Club Road to the Future award and
earned a spot on the 30 Under 30 list – all in a
debut season’s work.
Prock has more than lived up to the billing,
showing the potential to become a household
name in the sport.
“I’ve been surrounded by great people and
they’ve given me an opportunity to do my best
and I’ve just been having a blast,” Prock says.
“I’ve just been having so much fun working with
the team, racing for John Force Racing and with
my family. It’s crazy how far this team has come
this year.”
The driving talent is obvious, but Prock’s youth-
ful enthusiasm and energy has rubbed off on ev-
eryone within the organization. A team that didn’t
have its full lineup until the Western Swing has
clicked regardless of adversi-
ty, while Prock has displayed
a star personality.
Prock hasn’t been afraid
to call out the biggest names
in the class, talking trash
with Steve Torrence at his
very first race. It’s brought
added excitement to the
sport, and that’s one aspect
Prock takes very seriously,
especially when it comes to
entertaining younger fans.
“I feel like it’s part of my
duty to get young fans in-
volved in the sport. I really try to make a good
impression on the real young kids and kids my
age,” Prock says. “If you’re not having fun, the race
car knows it. I have a fun and outgoing personality,
and it’s just who I am.” – J O S H H AC H DI
AT DI DI
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December 2019
DragIllustrated.com
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