Drag Racing Icon John Force is being transported to a rehabilitation clinic to receive treatment for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in a high-speed incident during the NHRA Virginia Nationals in late June.
John Force Racing stated on Tuesday that Force, 75, was evacuated from VCU Medical institution to a neurological rehab institution three hours away that specializes in treating cognitive and behavioral issues caused by his TBI. His daughter Brittany Force, a two-time NHRA champion, stated that the new facility will be “closer to home” in California.
“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,” the team disclosed on Tuesday.
“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,” his team said Tuesday in a statement posted on social media.
Force, a 16-time NHRA champion, sustained injuries in a violent incident at Virginia Motorsports Park on June 23. He had just won his heat with a 302 mph lap when his engine exploded, causing his Funny Car to collide with a concrete wall at high speed. He was able to escape the wreckage, but he sustained injuries. Force sustained a TBI and a cracked sternum, among other injuries, and was taken to a Virginia hospital, where he stayed for 15 days.
Force has shown numerous “encouraging signs” following the tragedy. Force’s team previously reported that he was able to “converse” with others and had “regained his equilibrium,” allowing him to walk with help before being released from the hospital. However, Force’s medical staff stated that the Hall of Famer “is prone to periods of confusion,” a TBI symptom, and will face a lengthy road to recovery.
“Force’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,” his team said in a social media statement. “However, medical staff cautioned that the road ahead still is a difficult one.”
On Monday, Brittany Force celebrated her 38th birthday by posting many images of herself spending an afternoon out with her father. In the images, Force had a cast on his right arm.
“Most special birthday ever!” Brittany Force captioned an Instagram gallery. “After 15 days in Virginia, we were authorized to relocate to a rehabilitation clinic closer to home. We also went for a walk downtown and had some ice cream together! I’m beyond grateful and privileged to be celebrating 38 with my father and loved ones. Thank you to everyone who sent us love! God is good! ✨🙏🏼”
Force has won 157 Funny Car events since his famous racing career began in 1978. He is presently ranked fourth in the 2024 NHRA Funny Car standings after 10 of 21 events this season.
