Courtesy of John Force Racing

CHICAGO – A pair of world champions come together when 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force throws out the ceremonial first pitch before a World Series champion Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field on July 5.

John Force Racing President Robert Hight, who won the 2009 Funny Car championship, will also be at the game and will sign autographs before with Force. Hight’s daughter, Autumn, will deliver the lineup card.

The Cubs ended the longest drought in American sports history by beating the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling Game 7 last November to win the World Series. That snapped a 108-year streak of frustration for the Cubs and their loyal fans, as Chicago last won a world championship in 1908.

Force has 16 Funny Car championships in his glorious career and remains as competitive as ever at age 68. He’s on the hunt for his 17th title in 2017.

“To think about the history of the Cubs, it’s unbelievable,” Force said. “As a kid growing up playing Little League baseball, you dreamed of places like Wrigley Field. You never dream of a 108-year losing streak, but, boy, they changed all that. That’s all over – somebody shot the goat – and you move on.

“Things happen for a reason, and now they’re the World Champions.”

Both Force and the Cubs are sponsored by Northbrook, Ill., based Old World Industries and its PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant and BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid brands.

“We are so proud as a family-owned Chicagoland company full of Cubs fans to be partnered with the two world champions,” Old World Industries Chief Marketing Officer Bryan Emrich said. “To have John Force and the Cubs be part of the PEAK and BlueDEF family is awesome for us. We can’t wait to see John deliver that first pitch.”

Force’s first pitch will come before the Cubs host the Tampa Bay Rays at 1:20 p.m. Central time on July 5. Force vows to be ready.

“To go on that field and throw that pitch, I’m going to be practicing,” Force said. “I’m pretty excited. Robert (Hight) loves baseball, and he’ll be there with me. We’ll be on the field where history was made by a bunch of great players.”

After the game, Force, his PEAK Coolant and Motor Oil Chevrolet Camaro SS show car and Hight will be at the Advance Auto Parts store at 2223 North Cicero Ave, Chicago, Ill., for an appearance. Force and Hight will sign autographs from 5-6:30 p.m., and PEAK will have special prizes for fans in attendance.