- The drag racing community was shaken by a devastating incident during the Virginia Nationals, where legendary driver John Force, at 75 years old, experienced a catastrophic crash. In the first round of Funny Car eliminations, Force’s PEAK Chevy Camaro suffered an engine explosion at the finish line, sending the vehicle across the centerline and into the left concrete guard wall before rebounding into the right wall. The impact caused the car to erupt in flames, transforming it into a fireball .
Immediately after the crash, Force was alert and communicated with safety personnel. He was airlifted to a trauma hospital in Richmond, Virginia, where he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, a fractured sternum, and a wrist injury . Subsequently, he was transferred to a neurological ICU
Despite the severity of the accident, Force’s resilience was evident. He began rehabilitation after two weeks in the hospital and was later discharged to an outpatient facility in Southern California . His family, including daughter Brittany Force, a two-time world champion, has been by his side throughout his recovery. The drag racing community has rallied in support, reflecting on Force’s illustrious career, which boasts 157 NHRA victories and 16 championships since his debut in 1978 .
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in motorsports, underscoring the importance of safety measures and the unwavering spirit of drivers like John Force.
