Adria Force Hight, a key figure behind one of drag racing’s most successful teams and a beloved member of the motorsports community, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 56.
Surrounded by her family in Indianapolis, she left behind a legacy that extends far beyond the racetrack.
Born on June 4, 1969, in Huntington Park, California, Adria grew up along the West Coast, where her early years were filled with beachside memories, skating, and a love for music.
After graduating from Huntington Beach High School, she became deeply involved in her family’s racing business, working alongside her father, John Force, a legendary name in NHRA drag racing.
A Driving Force Behind a Racing Dynasty
Adria was not just part of the family business. She helped build it. As one of the earliest members of John Force Racing, she took on multiple roles in the early days, from answering phones to selling merchandise out of trailers at race events.
Over time, her dedication and sharp business sense led her to become the Chief Financial Officer of the organization.
Her contributions played a major role in shaping the team into one of the most dominant forces in motorsports history.
Those who worked with her often described her as determined, charismatic, and deeply committed to the success of her family and team.
Beyond racing, Adria had a strong passion for music. She performed in a band called Mad Man Billy, where she sang and played tambourine.
She also supported emerging artists through her company Civil Defense Music, reflecting her desire to uplift others and share her love of creativity.
A Devoted Mother and Family Anchor
While her professional achievements were significant, Adria’s greatest pride was her daughter, Autumn Hight, whom she shared with her former husband, Robert Hight.
The two shared a close bond, traveling across the country together to attend NHRA events and later supporting Autumn’s own racing pursuits in junior dragsters.
Adria’s family life was filled with warmth and connection. She was the oldest sibling to Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney, and was known as the fun-loving big sister who created lasting memories through simple joys like slumber parties, concerts, and shared adventures.
In recent years, she moved to Indiana with her fiancé, Jimmy Collins, to be closer to her daughter. There, she embraced a quieter lifestyle while continuing to travel for races and support her family.
She also found joy in caring for her pets and spending time with loved ones, including her mother, Lana Starks, and her extended family.
Those who knew Adria often spoke about her ability to make anyone feel welcome.
She had a natural gift for connection, never meeting a stranger and always staying in touch through heartfelt messages and conversations. Her kindness, energy, and positive outlook left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Adria is survived by her daughter Autumn, her parents, her fiancé, her siblings, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Private services will be held in accordance with her wishes, with burial at Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre Haute, Indiana.
A celebration of her life is planned for later this year in California, where friends and family will gather to honor a woman whose impact will not be forgotten.
