During the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the Virginia Nationals, the engine in 75-year-old John Force’s car exploded at the finish line, leading to a serious accident. Force has since been moved from a trauma intensive care unit to a neurological ICU due to a head injury.
John Force Racing announced on Thursday that the move is a “welcome positive for his family members,” noting that while Force is improving, he has a long road to recovery ahead.
After the crash on Sunday, Force was alert and communicating with safety workers. The Hall of Fame driver and team owner was initially examined by the NHRA Medical Team at the track before being airlifted to the trauma hospital.
Official statement on @JohnForce_FC’s Funny Car incident at the PlayNHRA #VirginiaNats. pic.twitter.com/H4xeoVEmN6
— NHRA (@NHRA) June 23, 2024
During the incident, Force’s car experienced a catastrophic engine failure, crossing the centerline, hitting the left concrete guard wall, and then careening into the right wall.
“We’re keeping our pal John Force in our thoughts and prayers. He’s one tough cookie,” former NASCAR star Tony Stewart, now an NHRA Top Fuel driver, shared on social media.
Just three weeks earlier, Force secured his record 157th NHRA victory in New Hampshire, marking his second win of the season. Force previously suffered severe injuries in a 2007 crash in Ennis, Texas.
Legendary #NHRA racer John Force was involved in a major crash at the #VirginiaNHRANationals qualifying. It was his worse during Force’s great career. Reports say he was taken to the hospital for observation. This from #FS1 pic.twitter.com/Qhm1uLNQRe
— 🎥~TennesseeSportsNet~🎥 (@TSNSports) June 23, 2024
Despite Force’s accident, teammate Austin Prock went on to win the Funny Car division on Sunday, defeating Bob Tasca III in the final round.
“The trophy is going straight to the hospital to John Force,” Prock said from the winners’ circle. “It’s tough to see someone you care about go through this, but I know he’ll be back. We’re race car drivers and have to keep going. John wanted us out here, and I’m glad we did our job.”
