GREAT NEWS: NHRA drag racing great John Force is reportedly set to return
NHRA drag racing is fantastic. John Force sustained a traumatic brain injury in a horrific, 300 mph incident in Virginia a week ago, but is exhibiting “daily signs of improvement” in a neurological intensive care unit, according to his team.
NHRA drag racing is fantastic. John Force suffered a severe brain damage in a fiery, 300-mph incident at the Virginia Nationals a week ago, but his team says he is showing “daily signs of improvement” in a neurological intensive care unit.
According to John Force Racing, the 75-year-old Force was initially unable to follow directions to open his eyes, squeeze care givers’ hands, or move his extremities after the incident. After five days of intense sedation, he started to acquire momentum, including the ability to respond to orders like giving a thumbs-up and recognize family members by name and saying “I love you.”
Force was transferred from a trauma ICU to the neurological ICU on Wednesday, where he will remain for the time being. He still faces “a long and difficult recovery ahead,” according to the team’s statement.
“The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress,” according to a statement.
During the first round of Funny Car eliminations on June 23, Force’s car experienced a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line, sending the vehicle across the centerline and smashing into the left concrete guard wall before careening back across into the right wall.
Force was alert and speaking with safety personnel shortly after hitting at 302 mph. The NHRA medical team checked the Hall of Fame owner and driver on the track before transporting him to a hospital via helicopter.
Force, 58, was severely injured in a racing accident in Ennis, Texas, in 2007. Force has continued to race at the highest level; four weeks ago in New Hampshire, he won his record 157th NHRA event and second this season.
Brittany Force, Force’s daughter and a two-time world champion, was in the hospital with her mother Laurie and three sisters. She will not compete this weekend in Norwalk, Ohio, since she is staying with her family at the hospital.
