75-year-old John Force won his race before it ended with an explosion
On Sunday, the NHRA raced in the Virginia Nationals. The drag race took place at Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddle, VA.
John Force is a legendary NHRA drag racer. He’s claimed 16 NHRA championships throughout his lengthy career.
Hear from John Force Racing below.
During his pass in round one, Force crossed the line with the win. After the finish, it went all wrong.
The engine burst into flames, surrounding the cockpit. Without vision or control of the car, Force made impact with the wall. He then crossed the track, making impact with the other wall.
The safety team was quick to the scene and the driver was able to climb from the car. However, Force has since been transported to the ICU.
John Force Racing Statement
The team issued the following statement following the crash:
“John Force, drag racing’s most prolific winner and contender this year for an unprecedented 17th NHRA Funny Car championship, was injured Sunday in the 300 mile-an-hour crash of his PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro in the first round of the 14th PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals,” the team opened in a statement.
“The Hall of Fame driver and car owner crossed the finish line at Virginia Motorsports Park in 4.100 seconds at a speed of 302.62 mile per hours after winning his first round race when his car suffered a catastrophic engine failure that sent it, on fire, careening across the track and into the concrete guardrail boarding the left side of the track.”
“That impact sent it back across the track into the right guardrail before it came to a rest in the middle of the track.”
“The 75-year-old Hall of Famer, who won two of this season’s first eight races and is in second place in points behind teammate Austin Prock, was conscious and talked to NHRA Safety Safari personnel immediately following the crash.”
The team concluded, “He was transported to a nearby Medical Center for further evaluation in the ICU.”
Austin Peck, the Josh Force Racing driver went on to win in Virginia.
NHRA Statement
During the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals on Sunday at Virginia Motorsports Park, John Force’s Funny Car suffered an engine explosion at the finish line and then crossed the centerline, striking both guard walls before coming to a stop.”
The series added, “Force was alert and was examined onsite by the NHRA Medical Team before being transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation.”
Medical Update: June 27, 2024
On Thursday, the team issued the following update:
“Four days after his crash at more than 300 miles per hour, drag racing champion John Force has moved from the trauma intensive care unit to the Neuro intensive care unit, where the medical team can focus on his head injury which is their primary concern.”
“The move was a welcome positive for his family members, who have maintained a daily presence at the hospital all week.”
“With the unanimous support of her family, team and sponsors, Brittany Force is not planning to compete this week at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, where she would have driven the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster. Instead, she will remain at the hospital with her family in solidarity for her father.”
“Austin Peck will compete this weekend with the same courageous, fighting spirit that John has embodied and installed in his teams over the years, and his AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS will proudly carry the torch for the entire John Force Racing organization and sponsors this weekend.”
“The Force family are grateful for the team of medical professionals who are caring for John, and for the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages of prayer, support and concern.”
The team concluded, “Thank you for continuing to respect the privacy of the family and John Force Racing team members.”
Medical Update: June 30, 2024
NHRA issued the following update:
“After five tense days during which he was heavily sedated while battling the effects of injuries suffered in the 300 mile-per-hour crash of his drag racing Funny Car, 16-time NHRA World Champion John Force has begun to show daily signs of improvement, according to family members who have maintained a presence at the trauma hospital to which he was transported by air ambulance on Sunday.”
“Early in the treatment process of his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), he failed to follow the series of commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of his care providers and move his extremities. Occasionally, he was able to respond with slight movements, but it wasn’t until he moved from trauma intensive care unit to neuro intensive care unit on Wednesday that he began to gain some momentum.”
“He became more consistent responding to commands and finally opened his eyes on day five. Following days of failed attempts, his wife and daughters were overcome with emotion when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when prompted, gave a thumbs up.”
“The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress. He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull. However, he recognized his daughters, wife, Laurie, and called them each by name. And spoke the words, ‘I love you.’ This, along with continued daily progress has uplifted their spirits.”
“Despite the welcomed progress, the 157- time tour winner still faces a long and difficult recovery ahead and for the immediate future, will remain in neuro intensive care with visitation restricted to immediate family members only.”
“John’s family members extend their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals responsible for his well-being and recovery. They deeply appreciate the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages, prayers, support, and concern from the entire automotive and racing industries. Thank you to sponsors, fans, and the media for respecting the privacy of the Force family and the John Force Racing team members.”
