NHRA legend John Force will… after his traumatic brain…read more
NHRA legend John Force, who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a serious crash, will make his first public appearance at a race since the incident. The 75-year-old, 16-time Funny Car champion is set to attend the Nevada Nationals at Las Vegas Motor Speedway next weekend. This will be his first appearance at a race since his crash four months ago at Virginia Motorsports Park.
Force’s accident occurred during a race in June when his engine exploded, causing his car to hit a wall at around 300 mph. Following the crash, Force was hospitalized for a month, starting in the intensive care unit at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. After that, he was moved to Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he continued to receive treatment. Since then, he has been recovering at home in California, undergoing outpatient care.
In a video shared by John Force Racing, Force expressed optimism about his recovery. “At the end of the day, I’m gonna recover and I’m getting better already,” he said. He emphasized his commitment to healing, noting that he’s working on his recovery every day. Force will travel to the race with his wife, Laurie, showing his determination to support his team and fans despite his health challenges.
At the Nevada Nationals, Force will be present to cheer on his two-car Funny Car team, featuring drivers Austin Prock and Jack Beckman. His daughter, Brittany Force, will also be competing in the Top Fuel class. This is an important moment for Force, who is eager to reconnect with fans, sponsors, and the racing community. “I felt I owed it to everyone to tell you guys that I’m OK,” he said, acknowledging the support he has received.
Force thanked those who have reached out to him with cards, gifts, and well-wishes during his recovery. “I want to take a minute and thank you,” he shared. “You showed me that you cared at a time when I needed help.” He also expressed his gratitude to his family, including his four daughters and son-in-law, Robert Hight, who stood by him throughout the ordeal.
Despite the severity of his injury, Force maintains a positive outlook. He admitted to having “good days and bad days” but remains determined to fully recover. In his characteristic light-hearted style, he joked about the experience: “It was a scary time for them, not for me; I didn’t have a clue where I was at.” Force remains optimistic and assured his supporters, “We’re going to be OK.”
