BREAKING: John Force has been moved out of intensive care after……
NHRA legend John Force is out of neurological intensive care.
NHRA drag racing legend John Force has been released from neurological intensive care after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a blazing, 300 mph incident at the Virginia Nationals last month.
The 75-year-old Force has been transferred from neurological critical care to acute neuro care at the hospital where he was brought by air ambulance on June 23, according to a press release issued Friday by John Force Racing. He sustained a severe brain injury and other injuries, including a cracked sternum, in the incident during the first round of Funny Car eliminations.
Force’s car experienced a catastrophic engine failure near the finish line, sending the vehicle across the center line and smashing into the left concrete guard wall before careening back across into the right wall.
According to the team’s statement, Force is still experiencing bewilderment and will most likely be moved to a long-term facility specialized in traumatic brain injuries and associated symptoms. He has been able to speak and walk with the assistance of medical personnel, but the announcement states, “Medical professionals emphasized once more that the journey ahead will be long and difficult.”
Force, 58, was severely injured in a racing accident in Ennis, Texas, in 2007. He has continued to compete at the highest level, winning his second race of the season and the 157th NHRA triumph in New Hampshire.
Brittany, Force’s daughter, is a two-time drag racing world champion.