Drag racing icon John Force is on the path to recovery after a terrifying high-speed crash at the NHRA Virginia Nationals in late June. One month after the incident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), Force has been released from Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and is now continuing his rehabilitation at home.
The announcement came from John Force Racing, confirming that the 16-time NHRA champion is finally back in his own bed after a month of intensive care and rehabilitation. Force was transferred to the specialized neurological rehabilitation center in Phoenix earlier in July to address cognitive and behavioral symptoms stemming from the TBI he sustained in the accident.
Brittany Force, John’s daughter and a fellow NHRA Funny Car driver, shared the positive update on Instagram, expressing relief and highlighting the family’s commitment to his ongoing recovery. “Peace out Phoenix! After 30 days my dad is finally heading home where we will continue outpatient therapy,” she wrote. “These next steps to recovery will definitely be a family effort!” The team further explained that the next phase of Force’s recovery will involve outpatient speech, occupational, and physical therapy to target lingering short-term memory and cognitive challenges.
John Force after his accident, highlighting his recovery progress at Barrow Neurological Institute.
The incident occurred on June 23rd at Virginia Motorsports Park during the NHRA Virginia Nationals. Having just completed a 302 mph run and won his heat, Force’s Funny Car experienced a catastrophic engine explosion. This mechanical failure sent the vehicle careening into a concrete wall at high speed. While Force was able to exit the wreckage, he sustained significant injuries, including a TBI and a fractured sternum. He was promptly airlifted to a Virginia hospital, where he received initial treatment for 15 days before being moved to Barrow Neurological Institute for specialized rehabilitation.
Despite the severity of the crash and the initial concerns, John Force has shown remarkable progress over the past month. Earlier updates from his team indicated that he had regained his ability to converse and had achieved equilibrium, allowing him to walk with assistance. His daughter, Courtney Force, while acknowledging the positive strides, emphasized that “it’s still a long road to recovery.” In a Twitter post alongside photos of her father in Phoenix, Courtney expressed gratitude to the medical staff and reiterated the family’s pride in his resilience and determination.
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, despite the recent accident, he holds a commendable fifth position in the Funny Car standings after 11 events. His fans and the entire NHRA community are undoubtedly encouraged by his release from rehab and are eagerly anticipating further positive updates on his continued recovery journey. The focus now shifts to his outpatient therapy and the collective effort of his family and medical team to support him in regaining his full health and cognitive function.
