SAD NEWS: John Force has decides to quit racing due to serious health issue.
The 75-year-old racer’s Funny Car engine failed and burst into flames during a run at Virginia Motorsports Park.
Sixteen-time National Hot Rod Association champion John Force is improving on a daily basis after suffering a catastrophic 300-mph crash more than a week ago, his team announced Sunday.
The 75-year-old Force, who was born in Bell Gardens and now resides in Yorba Linda, was able to reply with minor movements when asked to open his eyes, grasp his caregivers’ hands, and move his extremities, according to his relatives.
Last week, Force, who is in the early stages of traumatic brain injury treatment, was transferred from the Virginia hospital’s trauma intensive care unit to a neurointensive care unit. The hospital staff is primarily concerned about Force’s head injuries, according to the team.
Force was able to utter his name and give a thumbs up in the presence of his wife and daughters, according to the researchers.
“The most difficult challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress,” John Force Racing said in a statement. “He has repeatedly attempted to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have jokingly described him as a raging bull.” However, he recognized his daughters, wife, and Laurie and addressed them by name. And said, ‘I love you.’ This, combined with ongoing everyday progress, has elevated their spirits.
Force was running in the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park when his engine burst at the finish line. The car crossed the strip’s centerline and collided with the driver’s side left concrete guard wall. The car then careened back across the track and collided with the other wall.
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Force was aware and speaking with safety personnel immediately following the horrific incident. He was evaluated by an NHRA medical team before being evacuated off the course.
Force’s family thanked the track workers who assisted him following the incident.
“John’s family members express their heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals responsible for his well-being and recovery,” the team stated. “They are grateful for the huge number of emotional comments, prayers, support, and concern from the entire automobile and racing industry. Thank you to sponsors, fans, and the media for honoring the privacy of the Force family and John Force Racing team members.”
Force, who won his 157th NHRA race in New Hampshire four weeks ago, was critically injured in a 2007 incident in Ennis, Texas.
Brittany Force, 37, has won two NHRA Drag Racing Series Top Fuel dragster championships. She did not compete in this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Ohio and instead stayed with her family.
Daughters Courtney Fallon Force-Rahal and Ashley Corinne Force Hood also raced in the NHRA Funny Car Series.
