Drag racing legend John Force, widely hailed as one of the most successful and enduring figures in NHRA history, is on the road to recovery after suffering a traumatic brain injury earlier this year. I am walking a difficult path. His daughter, Brittany Force, recently shared a hopeful update on her father’s condition, hinting that a possible return to the NHRA scene is on the horizon.
The incident that briefly sidelined Force occurred during a qualifying heat for the NHRA Virginia Nationals in June, when the engine exploded and the car burst into flames, crashing into a track wall. Despite the severity of the crash, Force remained conscious and was immediately taken to VCU Medical Center.
His initial hospitalization lasted 15 days, after which he was transferred to Barrow Neurological Institute, a facility renowned for treating nerve injuries in athletes. John Force Racing’s latest information at the time explained:
“After spending 15 days in various levels of intensive care at VCU Medical Center, drag racing champion John Force was released on Tuesday and taken to an AirMed ambulance to be treated for a traumatic brain injury. He will continue to suffer from the June 23 crash, which left him in time for a three-hour flight to a neurological rehabilitation center.
Castrol High Mileage Ford Funny Car driver John Force waves to fans during the NHRA Carolinas Nationals at Zmax Dragway on September 20, 2009 in Concord, North Carolina. A gift from John Force’s daughter… Castrol High Mileage Ford Funny Car driver John Force at the NHRA Carolina Nationals at Zmax Dragway in Concord, North Carolina, September 20, 2009 Force waves to the fans. John Force’s daughter gives an update on her health. See more Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images
“The 16-time NHRA Funny Car Champion’s airlifting out of the facility following his 300+ mph crash was considered by his family to be a major step forward in his recovery process.
“However, medical staff warned that the road ahead remains difficult. Force is dealing with the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of traumatic brain injury, and while he has been able to speak to families and staff. He enjoys the company of his grandsons, Jacob Hood and Noah Hood.”Even though he celebrated his birthday on Monday with his daughter Brittany, he still tends to be disruptive.
“The family said it has not yet been decided how long Force will stay at the new facility, which was chosen because it has successfully treated other race car drivers with similar problems.”
Brittany Force has provided an update and is hopeful about her father’s potential return to the sport he loves. While speaking to the media in Las Vegas, Brittany revealed that her father may return to the NHRA Las Vegas and Pomona events to join the team. She explained:
“If he’s ready, we’ll push for it.”
John Force continues his outpatient treatment at home and is hopeful he may be able to participate in NHRA Las Vegas and Pomona events with the team. Brittany Force says it’s up to you and how you feel.
“If he’s ready, we’ll push for it.” pic.twitter.com/0oQV042xYW
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) October 20, 2024
John Force has a professional career that spans more than 50 years and is known for an impressive record of 157 career wins and 16 NHRA Funny Car Championships.
The latest official update from the team came on July 23rd and stated:
“One month after an engine explosion sent his race car crashing into a concrete guard wall at more than 300 mph at Virginia Motorsports Park, drag racing champion John Force announced Tuesday that he will be recovering from a traumatic brain injury. He was discharged from the Barrow Neurological Institute where he had been receiving treatment (traumatic brain injury).
“According to his family, the 16-time Funny Car champion will continue to work with a therapist who specializes in such injuries, but is currently practicing outpatient care in California.”
