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John Force Update: NHRA Driver Moved From Hospital After Horrific 300 MPH Crash

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John Force, the NHRA Funny Car driver and a dominant force in drag racing, has been transferred from the hospital to a dedicated neurological rehabilitation center following a severe crash. The incident occurred on June 23 during a race at the Virginia Nationals, where Force’s car suffered a catastrophic engine explosion at the finish line, leading to multiple collisions with the track’s barriers.

At 75, Force is a seasoned veteran of the sport, with a racing career stretching back to 1978 and an impressive tally of 157 race victories. His latest victory came just last month in New Hampshire.

The recent crash has left Force with serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a fractured sternum, and an injury to his right wrist. Initially alert post-accident, Force was swiftly attended by the NHRA’s medical team before being airlifted for hospital treatment, where he spent over two weeks receiving care in the Neuro ICU.

The recovery process for Force is set to be challenging, as indicated by his racing team, John Force Racing. The team shared the following update for fans on July 9, 2024:

“After spending 15 days in varying levels of intensive care at VCU Medical Center, drag racing champion John Force was released Tuesday in time to board an AirMed ambulance for a three-hour flight to a neurological rehab center at which treatment for the Traumatic Brain Injury he suffered in a June 23 crash will continue.

“The 16-time NHRA Funny Car Champion’s departure from the facility to which he was airlifted after crashing at more than 300 miles per hour was considered by family members to be a major step forward in the recovery process.”

Despite the “major step in the recovery process,” the update confirmed that Force is still dealing with symptoms from the TBI. The update continued:

“However, medical staff cautioned that the road ahead still is a difficult one. Force is dealing with cognitive and behavioral symptoms from the TBI and, while he has been able to converse with family and staff, enjoy the company of grandsons Jacob and Noah Hood and celebrate a Monday birthday with daughter Brittany, he still is prone to periods of confusion.

“Family members said that no timetable had been established for the length of Force’s stay at the new facility which was selected because of its success in treating other race car drivers with similar issues.”