A verbal exchange with Tony Pedregon in which Force had to be restrained overshadowed his daughter beating Hight in the final to become the first woman to win a U.S. Nationals title in Funny Car.

In the semifinals, with Hight needing to beat Force to knock Cruz Pedregon out of the 10th spot in the Countdown, Force smoked his tires midway through the run as Hight pulled away. After Tony Pedregon lost to Force Hood in the second semifinal, he walked past Force and accused him of losing on purpose.

"I saw the ladder. I knew if Force raced Robert what would happen," Tony Pedregon said. "I raced with John for eight years. I know what they do. I made some comments and it got a little exciting there. But I didn't say anything that wasn't true.

"It's not just because it was Cruz. I would say the same thing if it was anybody and John set up his car to lose. I understand the business. It's a tough position John was in. But it's dirty in horse racing. It's dirty in boxing. I'm not going to sit here and watch it and not say anything."