On June 23, 2024, during the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the NHRA Virginia Nationals, 75-year-old drag racing legend John Force experienced a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line. His vehicle, traveling at approximately 302 mph, veered across the centerline, struck the left concrete guard wall, and then careened into the right wall before coming to a halt. Despite the severity of the crash, Force was alert and communicative with safety personnel immediately afterward.
Following the incident, Force was airlifted to a nearby medical facility, where he was initially placed in the trauma intensive care unit. Medical evaluations revealed that he had sustained a traumatic brain injury, a fractured sternum, and a right wrist injury. After five days of heavy sedation, Force began showing signs of improvement, such as responding to commands and recognizing family members. He was subsequently transferred to the neurological intensive care unit for specialized care.
After spending 15 days in a Virginia hospital, Force was moved to the Barrow Neurological Institute in Arizona for rehabilitation. On July 23, 2024, after a month of intensive treatment, he was discharged and transitioned to outpatient care near his home in California. His recovery regimen includes speech, occupational, and physical therapy to address lingering short-term memory and cognitive challenges.
Throughout his hospitalization, Force’s family remained by his side, expressing gratitude for the support from fans and the dedication of medical professionals. His daughter, Brittany Force, a two-time NHRA world champion, temporarily stepped away from racing to be with her father during his recovery.
John Force’s illustrious career spans over four decades, during which he has secured 16 NHRA Funny Car championships and 157 race victories, solidifying his status as one of the most accomplished figures in drag racing history. Despite previous serious accidents, including a significant crash in 2007, Force has consistently demonstrated resilience and a steadfast commitment to the sport.
As of now, Force continues his recovery at home, focusing on rehabilitation with the support of his family. While he faces ongoing challenges, his progress has been encouraging, and the racing community remains hopeful for his full recovery.
