John Force, a name synonymous with drag racing and a 16-time Funny Car champion, faced a terrifying ordeal earlier this year. Fans and the racing community were left wondering, What Happened To John Force? This article delves into the details of his horrific crash, his journey through recovery, and his inspiring return to the NHRA scene in Las Vegas.
On June 23rd, during elimination rounds in Virginia, Force experienced an engine failure in his Chevrolet Camaro SS at speeds exceeding 300 mph. This catastrophic event sent his car careening into a concrete barrier, resulting in severe traumatic injuries. The drag racing icon suffered a brain injury, a fractured sternum, and wrist injuries, casting a shadow of concern over his future in the sport.
Despite the severity of the impact, reports indicated that Force remained conscious and communicative immediately following the crash. His daughter, Brittany Force, a fellow racer who was with him as he was transported to the hospital, offered words of reassurance, stating, “My dad’s going to be all right – I was in the ambulance with him, holding his hand. He’s one of the toughest people I know, so he’ll bounce back like he always does.” This initial optimism provided a glimmer of hope amidst the gravity of the situation.
Initially admitted to the Trauma ICU, John Force’s care soon transitioned to the Neuro ICU as medical specialists focused on addressing his traumatic brain injury. The NHRA released a statement acknowledging the outpouring of support from the racing community and expressing their collective well-wishes for Force’s recovery. Their message highlighted his legendary status and the universal affection for him within the sport.
The NHRA family publicly shared their support, stating, “The NHRA family sends its continued love and prayers to @JohnForce_FC and the entire @JFR_Racing family.” This public display of solidarity underscored the close-knit nature of the racing world and the deep respect for John Force.
By July 5th, encouraging signs of improvement emerged. Force’s positive response to treatment allowed doctors to move him out of neuro-intensive care and into acute neurological care. John Force Racing released an update confirming this progress, noting that less than two weeks after the crash, he was showing significant recovery from his brain injury and other injuries sustained in the 300 mph impact.
Continuing on his path to recovery, by July 9th, John Force was transferred to a rehabilitation center. The Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix became the next stage in his journey, guiding him through both cognitive and physical rehabilitation programs. John Force Racing further updated fans, confirming his transfer from the Richmond hospital to a neurological rehab center, emphasizing that treatment for his Traumatic Brain Injury would continue there.
On July 23rd, a significant step forward occurred as Force moved back to California to continue his therapy as an outpatient. His daughter Brittany shared the news on social media, expressing relief and highlighting the family’s commitment to supporting his ongoing recovery. This move signified a transition towards a more independent phase of rehabilitation, closer to home and loved ones.
John Force Racing elaborated on this milestone, confirming his discharge from the Barrow Neurological Institute a month after the crash. While acknowledging that outpatient speech, occupational, and physical therapy would be necessary to address lingering cognitive and short-term memory issues, the update conveyed a sense of optimism and relief. Daughter Ashley Hood’s quote, “He finally gets to sleep in his own bed,” poignantly captured the emotional significance of this homecoming.
In October, further promising updates surfaced. Brittany Force’s ‘Day in the Life’ reel on Instagram offered fans a heartwarming glimpse into John Force’s recovery, showing him in good spirits and embracing his daughter. This visual confirmation of his positive progress further fueled anticipation for his return.
Adding to the excitement, on October 20th, Brittany Force hinted at the possibility of her father’s return to the upcoming NHRA event in Las Vegas. Her comment, “We’re pushing for it if he’s ready,” signaled a potential comeback that many fans eagerly awaited.
Finally, on October 24th, John Force himself confirmed the news in an emotional video posted by John Force Racing. While clarifying that he would not be in the driver’s seat, he announced his intention to be present in Las Vegas to support the John Force Racing team. In his heartfelt message, Force expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during his four-month recovery journey, stating, “I’m going to recover, and I’m getting better already… This is about what I love the most, and it’s racing. It’s NHRA. I love my sponsors, and I love all the fans… You’ve really been good to me in a hard time.”
John Force’s resilience and determination have shone brightly throughout this challenging period. His return to the NHRA in Las Vegas, even in a supportive role, marks an incredible milestone in his recovery and a testament to his enduring passion for drag racing. While the question of what happened to John Force began with concern and uncertainty, it now culminates in an inspiring story of recovery, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of a true racing legend.
