When people look into the background of three-time NHRA Funny Car champion Robert Hight, they often search for the person standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him through decades of high-speed competition. The spouse most famously linked to Robert Hight's racing legacy is Adria Hight, the eldest daughter of legendary drag racing icon John Force. Though Robert and Adria later divorced, and Robert subsequently married Leslie Hight, Adria's life remains deeply intertwined with the institutional backbone of John Force Racing (JFR).
Understanding Robert Hight's rise in the NHRA requires looking closely at Adria Hight's profound impact as a corporate executive, family pillar, and foundational employee within the sport. Her legacy shaped not just a marriage, but the operational success of one of drag racing's most dominant teams.
Early Life and Entry into John Force Racing
Born into the heart of the sport, Adria was the only child from John Force's first marriage. Growing up around nitro-fueled engines and Southern California racetracks, she didn't just watch the sport from the grandstands—she helped build its corporate infrastructure.
Soon after finishing high school, Adria joined her father's burgeoning racing operation as one of its earliest employees. Over the decades, she transitioned from general operations to handling the high-pressure financial responsibilities of the organization, eventually serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of John Force Racing. Her administrative leadership kept the multi-car championship team running smoothly behind the scenes while her father and husband chased records on the asphalt.
Marriage to Robert Hight and Family Life
Robert Hight's journey into drag racing royalty cemented when he transitioned from a crew member on Jimmy Prock’s tuning crew to a driver under the JFR banner. His marriage to Adria integrated him fully into the Force family dynasty.
During their marriage, the couple welcomed a daughter, Autumn Hight, continuing the family's deep-rooted connection to motorsports. Autumn later carved out her own path in competitive racing by driving Junior Dragsters, with her mother cheering proudly from the sidelines.
While Robert captured multiple NHRA world championships and served as the president of John Force Racing, Adria managed both corporate finances and family life on the grueling national touring schedule. Traveling across the country to national events, the family lived at the epicenter of the NHRA community.
Transition, Later Years, and Community Impact
After her marriage to Robert ended, Adria pursued independent ventures while maintaining her dedication to family. She engaged deeply with creative passions, singing and playing the tambourine in a local band called Mad Man Billy, which performed at car shows and regional venues. She also championed independent artists through her enterprise, Civil Defense Music.
In her later years, Adria relocated to Indiana with her fiancé, Jimmy Collins, to live closer to her daughter Autumn. She embraced a quieter country lifestyle while remaining a beloved figure across the tight-knit NHRA community.
Her passing in April 2026 brought an outpouring of grief from the entire motorsports world. The NHRA community and John Force Racing remembered her not just as an executive or a famous racing spouse, but as a warm, vibrant presence who knew no strangers and gave decades of tireless service to the sport. Robert Hight later married Leslie Hight, starting a new chapter of his personal life while continuing his legendary involvement in the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Hight's first wife?
Robert Hight was previously married to Adria Hight, the eldest daughter of 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force.
What was Adria Hight's role at John Force Racing?
Adria served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of John Force Racing and was one of the organization's very first employees, managing its business operations for decades.
Who is Robert Hight currently married to?
After his marriage to Adria ended, Robert Hight married Leslie Hight.
Do Robert Hight and Adria Hight have children?
Yes, they share a daughter named Autumn Hight, who has competed in Junior Dragsters. Learn more about the history of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and the evolution of John Force Racing to understand the scale of their family's contributions to professional motorsports.
