Drag racing legend John Force is back home after a month-long stay at a rehabilitation center, marking a significant step in his recovery from a harrowing crash at the NHRA Virginia Nationals in late June. The John Force Racing team officially announced his discharge from Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, signaling his return to familiar surroundings to continue his therapy.
Force, a 16-time NHRA champion, sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a fractured sternum, among other injuries, when his Funny Car was involved in a high-speed crash at Virginia Motorsports Park on June 23rd. The incident occurred after Force completed a 302 mph run in his heat; his engine exploded, sending his vehicle careening into the concrete barrier. Despite the severity of the impact, Force was able to exit the car, but required immediate medical attention. He was initially hospitalized in Virginia for 15 days before being transferred to Barrow Neurological Institute to address the cognitive and behavioral effects of his TBI.
His daughter, Brittany Force, also a Funny Car driver, shared an update on Instagram, expressing relief and hope. “Peace out Phoenix! After 30 days my dad is finally heading home where we will continue outpatient therapy,” she wrote. She emphasized the family’s commitment to his ongoing recovery, noting, “These next steps to recovery will definitely be a family effort!”
The next phase of John Force’s recovery will involve outpatient speech, occupational, and physical therapy. These therapies are designed to address the lingering short-term memory and cognitive challenges resulting from the traumatic brain injury he sustained in the John Force crash. While at Barrow, Force made considerable progress. Earlier updates from his team indicated he had regained his ability to converse and had improved his equilibrium, allowing him to walk with assistance.
Courtney Force, another of John’s daughters, also shared her thoughts on Twitter, alongside photos of her father in Phoenix. “Finally saying bye to Phoenix & Barrow Rehab (with) dad! Thank you to all the wonderful nurses & doctors,” she tweeted. Reflecting on the one-month mark since the accident, she acknowledged, “It’s been one month since his accident & he’s officially starting outpatient care back home! This will still be a long road to recovery for him, but we’re all still so proud of him.”
John Force’s legendary career in drag racing began in 1978, and he has since amassed an incredible 157 Funny Car event wins. Even in the 2024 NHRA season, prior to the crash, he held a strong fifth-place ranking in the Funny Car standings after 11 events. His focus now shifts entirely to his health and recovery, with the support of his family and team as he embarks on this next stage following the John Force crash incident.
