NHRA drag racing legend John Force is showing promising signs of recovery following a traumatic brain injury sustained in a high-speed crash. The 75-year-old Force, a 16-time NHRA World Champion, was involved in a fiery 300 mph accident during the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the Virginia Nationals on June 23. His car experienced a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line, causing it to veer across the centerline and slam into the left concrete guard wall before careening into the right wall.
Immediately after the crash, Force was alert and communicating with safety workers. He was examined by the NHRA medical team at the track before being airlifted to a hospital. Initially, Force was unable to follow commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of care providers, or move his extremities. He was heavily sedated for five days in a trauma intensive care unit.
On Wednesday, Force was transferred to a neurological intensive care unit, where he began to show daily signs of improvement. He started to respond to commands more consistently, including opening his eyes and giving a thumbs-up. His family, who have been by his side throughout the ordeal, were emotional when he recognized them, called them by name, and said, “I love you.”
Despite these positive developments, Force faces a long and challenging road to recovery. His medical team has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which have caused him significant distress. He has had to be restrained on several occasions to prevent him from trying to get out of bed. His doctors have humorously described him as a “raging bull.”
Force’s daughter, Brittany, a two-time world champion, has chosen to stay with her family at the hospital and will not race this weekend in Norwalk, Ohio. The Force family has expressed their deep gratitude to the medical professionals responsible for John’s care and recovery. They have also thanked the racing community, sponsors, fans, and the media for their overwhelming support and for respecting their privacy during this difficult time.
John Force’s racing career has been marked by both triumph and adversity. In 2007, at the age of 58, he was seriously injured in a racing crash in Ennis, Texas. Despite that setback, he continued to compete at the highest level. Just four weeks ago, Force secured his record 157th NHRA victory in New Hampshire, marking his second win of the season.
The Force family remains hopeful as John continues to make progress in his recovery. They have been uplifted by the daily signs of improvement and the outpouring of support from the racing community. However, they acknowledge that the journey ahead will be long and difficult, with John remaining in the neuro intensive care unit for the immediate future.
As John Force battles through this challenging period, the racing world watches with bated breath, hoping for his full recovery. His resilience and determination have been a source of inspiration throughout his career, and his current fight is no different. The Force family’s strength and unity during this time have been a testament to their unwavering support for one another.
The NHRA community, along with fans and supporters, continue to send their thoughts and prayers to John Force and his family. The road to recovery may be long, but with the love and support of his family and the racing community, John Force is showing that he has the strength to overcome this latest challenge.
Source: Associated Press
