John Force is making steady progress on his long road to recovery.
According to a statement from John Force Racing on July 5, 2024, the 17-time Funny Car champion is recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a fractured sternum, and a right wrist injury. These injuries occurred when the engine in his PEAK Chevrolet Camaro exploded, causing him to crash into the concrete guard wall at over 300 miles per hour during the NHRA Virginia Nationals on June 23, 2024, near Richmond, Va.
Force was initially admitted to a neuro-intensive care unit but has since been moved to acute neuro care at the hospital. Although he is improving, his recovery is expected to be long and challenging.
Despite ongoing cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI, Force’s ability to communicate with medical staff, family members, and John Force Racing president Robert Hight is encouraging. Hight, who has been managing his own health issues, visited Force this week. The team reported occasional periods of confusion, which doctors indicate will require time and patience to address.
A positive development for the 75-year-old racer is his regained balance, allowing him to start walking with the help of medical staff.
The next step for Force will likely be a move to a long-term facility specializing in TBI and related symptoms, although the timing for this transition has not yet been determined.
