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John Force with the seemingly ever-present cup of coffee, leads journalist Louis Brewster on a tour through his car shop.

By the time this writer and Force actually got to sit down, they were already 45 minutes late, but 15 minutes from departing to a hair appointment. They had already toured the former car dealership that Force converted into his race shop, on par with any facility found around Mooresville, N.C., the NASCAR Winston Cup hotbed for teams. It was an opportunity for Force to paint what he envisions to be the future.

He's expanding, to triple its present size, his former apparel store. Maybe. There's also a better than average chance that it will house the new shop that will manufacture parts for the Force cars. [addition.jpg}

What is certain is that across the street will be a hotel, television studio and restaurant. Force keeps figures close to the vest, but a peek would reveal a $2 million investment. Money in the bank.

"Tom Compton (NHRA president) and I have talked about a race-themed restaurant, something like those NASCAR joints," said Force. "I have enough stuff to put in there and I could always go to (Don) Prudhomme and get some more.

"I think our fans would like something like that. Anyhow, that's my plan."

But why a hotel? Again, for the fans.

"We could hold car shows and an open house in my museum and people are always looking for a place to stay," he said. "Why not across the street. And eat over at the NHRA restaurant, or whatever we name it. I say NHRA and next thing I know, I'll be paying 90 percent or something."

Just as Force is to loyal to his fans, they are with him. He's the sport's biggest name and best-seller. He's tops in merchandising, easily outdistancing the competition.