NHRA drag racing icon John Force is exhibiting “daily signs of improvement” while in a neurological intensive care unit, following a severe 300 mph crash at the Virginia Nationals a week ago, according to his team.
John Force Racing announced on Sunday that the 75-year-old Force has been able to follow commands, such as giving a thumbs-up, and has recognized family members by name, expressing his love for them. Initially, Force was unable to follow commands like opening his eyes, squeezing the hands of caregivers, or moving his extremities.
Force was moved from a trauma ICU to the neurological ICU on Wednesday, where he will remain for the foreseeable future. Despite his progress, he still faces “a long and difficult recovery,” the team stated.
The crash occurred during the first round of Funny Car eliminations on June 23, when Force’s car experienced catastrophic engine failure at the finish line. The vehicle crossed the centerline, struck the left concrete guard wall, and then careened into the right wall.
Immediately following the 302 mph crash, Force was alert and conversing with safety workers. The Hall of Fame driver was assessed at the track by the NHRA medical team before being airlifted to a hospital.
In 2007, at age 58, Force was seriously injured in a racing crash in Ennis, Texas. Nonetheless, he has continued to compete at the highest levels, securing his 157th NHRA victory just four weeks ago in New Hampshire, marking his second win of the season.
Force’s daughter, Brittany, a two-time world champion, has been at the hospital with her mother, Laurie, and three sisters. Brittany will not be competing this weekend in Norwalk, Ohio, choosing to stay with her family at the hospital.
