Force-Hood to Take Hiatus to Focus on Starting Family

(Ashley Force-Hood, seen here prior to last year's NHRA Full Throttle Series season finale in Pomona, announced Tuesday she will not race this year as she and her husband Daniel are expected their first child. Former Pomona winner and NHRA champion crew chief Mike Neff will fill her seat in '11. Photo by Brandon W. Mudd)

HUGE news today as John Force Racing announced that "The Franchise" Ashley Force-Hood will take the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Series season off as she and her husband Daniel are expecting their first child. The two-time U.S. Nationals champion will give up her seat to Mike Neff, the tuner who helped John Force earn his 15th Funny Car title last year. In addition to that title and one with Gary Scelzi, Neff also has a win as a driver, taking the Wally at the season finale in Pomona in 2009.

For the full story, check out the STL Motorsports Examiner.