John Force is making progress in his recovery following his crash at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals. The 16-time champion has a challenging road ahead, but recent updates provide reasons for optimism.
According to John Force Racing, less than two weeks after Force suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a fractured sternum, and a right wrist injury due to an engine explosion that sent his Funny Car into a concrete guard wall at over 300 miles per hour, doctors have noted his positive response to treatment. He has been moved from the neuro-intensive care unit to acute neuro care at the hospital where he was transported by air ambulance on June 23.
This latest progress has been a relief for Force’s family, who have been at the hospital since his arrival. However, medical professionals emphasize that his recovery will be long and challenging.
Force is still experiencing cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI. Nonetheless, his ability to communicate with medical staff, family members, and John Force Racing president Robert Hight, who visited him this week, is a positive sign. Doctors note that periods of confusion are still present and will require time and patience to address.
Additionally, the 75-year-old has regained enough balance to start walking with the assistance of medical staff.
The next step for Force is likely to move to a long-term facility specializing in TBI and related symptoms, although the timing for this transition has not yet been determined.
