“I lost my dad a year ago and this was his car,” Soucek said. “He gave it to my daughter, but this car was a mess to say the least. The car I’m known for is really good so I decided to put her in that car. Interestingly enough, I had a heart attack the end of June and my daughter won a 10-grander in that car at Dragway 42 while I was in ICU.”

Just weeks earlier, Soucek qualified for the World Finals by winning the IHRA Sportsman Spectacular presented by Moser at Dragway 42. He captured the special Ironman trophy when final-round opponent John Boes broke out in his run.

Months later, he nearly won the biggest championship race of all. Asked what it meant to be the runner-up in the prestigious IHRA World Finals race after 26 years behind the wheel, he displayed the great smile and sense of humor he’s known for.

“There ain’t nothing wrong with silver, Ricky Bobby,” he joked. “You’d think after all this time I’d be better than this.”

All kidding aside, Soucek had a terrific showing at the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals.

Soucek was just short against Scott Wallace from Xtreme Raceway Park in the final round. He was right on his dial-in time with a 6.110-second run at 114.65 mph, coupled with a .014 reaction time.

He was even better in the semifinal win over Jason Bolton from Paris Dragstrip. Soucek had the .004 start and a 6.112-second pass at 114.83 mph against a 6.11 dial-in. Surely that was good genes handed down which led to the consistent performance.

Asked if his dad was his racing hero, Soucek quipped, “No, he wasn’t that good at it. But, he’s the one who got me into it and he was my hero in life. I know it sounds cliché’ to say John Force, but he was my racing hero.”

Soucek has shared something in common with the 16-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion as they’ve battled through health issues. Fortunately for Soucek, he was back where he wanted to be at the IHRA Summit SuperSeries World Finals. 

While the recognition and the $7,000 from Summit Racing Equipment for being the Top runner-up was great, Soucek was most appreciative of once again sharing the good times with his fellow racers.

“I love how all my friends are out here hanging out and I love the camping,” he said. “We’ve had a good time and that’s what it’s all about.”