BIG NEWS: John Force’s recovery revealed in a heartwarming photo with his daughter Courtney.
John Force, a famed drag racing driver and 16-time NHRA champion, is making significant progress in his recovery following a traumatic brain injury sustained in a high-speed incident. Courtney, the driver’s daughter, has now posted a photo of him, updating followers on his recuperation.
Force’s Funny Car engine exploded during the NHRA Virginia Nationals in late June of this year, sending him into a concrete wall at 302 miles per hour. The incident resulted in significant injuries, including a TBI and a cracked sternum, but recent images posted by his daughter Courtney Force offer a promising insight into his recovery.
Force managed to escape the wreckage shortly after the incident, despite being severely injured. He was taken to a Virginia hospital and spent 15 days there before being transferred to Phoenix’s Barrow Neurological Institute for specialist care.
After 30 days of intense treatment, Force was discharged to continue outpatient therapy at home, regaining his balance and ability to walk with help. However, reports indicate that he continues to struggle with cognitive and short-term memory difficulties.
His family’s support has been invaluable throughout this time, notably from his daughters, Courtney and Brittany Force. Courtney’s recent Instagram post gives fans an update on the driver’s health, sharing photos of a heartwarming family occasion. John Force can be seen on the right with his arm in a cast.
“I enjoyed our time in Tahoe this summer. It was packed with long walks, time with family, farmers market, beach days, and ice cream dates with the daughters. “Enjoying every moment,” Courtney wrote (below).
Brittany Force also provided updates just 30 days following his crash.
“Peace out, Phoenix! After 30 days, my father is finally returning home, where we will continue outpatient therapy. The following steps toward rehabilitation will undoubtedly be a family effort!” She posted (below).
According to the official John Force Racing report, Force is currently attending outpatient speech, occupational, and physical treatment to address his persisting cognitive problems.
“A month after an engine explosion sent his race car careening into a concrete guardwall at more than 300 miles per hour at Virginia Motorsports Park, drag racing champion John Force was discharged Tuesday from Barrow Neurological Institute, where he was receiving treatment for a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).
“According to family members, the 16-time Funny Car Champion will continue to work with therapists who specialize in similar injuries, but now on an outpatient basis in California.
“‘He finally gets to sleep in his own bed,’ said daughter Ashley Hood, who, together with sisters Brittany, Courtney, and Adria, and mother Laurie, stayed with the Hall of Fame driver and car owner when he was hospitalized in Virginia and Arizona.
“The next phase in the recovery process will be outpatient speech, and OTPT (Occupational and Physical Therapy) to address lingering short-term memory and cognitive issues.”
Force’s illustrious career, which began in 1978, has included 157 career Funny Car event victories, solidifying his legendary reputation in the sport. Despite the accident, he remains competitive, sitting fifth in the 2024 NHRA Funny Car standings after 11 of 20 events this season, with Jack Beckman filling in for the driver.
