Drag racing legend John Force is one of the most decorated drivers in National Hot Rod Association history. With 157 career wins and 16 NHRA championships, he’s earned his place as one of the greatest drag racers of all time. Since he first started competing in 1978, he has been a dominant force on the track and his longevity speaks for itself. That very longevity was in threat after a horrifying high-speed crash that left him in intensive care earlier in June this year. In a YouTube video, John Force addressed the public for the first time since his crash.
At 75 years old, Force, described by Dale Earnhardt. Jr as the “Richard Petty of drag racing”, has spent decades pushing the limits of speed. However, his latest incident during the NHRA Virginia Nationals was one of the scariest of his career. Four months after the crash, fans have received the long-awaited update from the 16-time Funny Car champion.
How did the 75-year-old survive a 300mph crash?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The terrifying crash occurred during the first round of the Virginia Nationals when Force’s Funny Car suffered a catastrophic engine failure, sending it careening into a concrete barrier at around 302 mph. The impact was severe enough to lift the car off the ground before it crashed back down in a flaming twisted heap of metal. Thankfully, NHRA safety crews were quick to extricate him from the wreckage and stabilize him before airlifting him to a trauma hospital.
John Force spent months recovering, undergoing rehabilitation at multiple hospitals. “I’ve been in the hospital for four or five months, going through rehab,” he explained in a recent YouTube video message to his fans. “I’m working every day to get my body and my mind back in shape.” Force is no stranger to accidents in his long career, but he admitted this one was particularly rough, with his recovery taking longer than expected.
“It means the world to me, and I feel blessed to have so many people in my corner,” Force said. “Boy, am I glad to be here after that crash I had in Richmond.”
Fans have been showering Force with love and support, something he doesn’t take lightly. “I want to take a minute to thank you,” Force said. “I love you for the cards and the gifts and everything. You showed me that you cared at a time when I needed help.” He also made sure to thank his family and team, particularly his wife Lori and his daughters, who have been by his side throughout his recovery. “They were there in Richmond, and they set up everything. It was a scary time for them, but not for me—I didn’t have a clue where I was!”
You know what they say: you can’t keep a good man down for too long, and boy, John Force can’t wait to get back to his feet!
John Force is itching to return to the NHRA
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Over the years, John Force has survived several close calls, including a nasty crash at the 2007 Fall Nationals in Texas, which left him with a broken ankle and a dislocated wrist. But this most recent incident in Virginia is undoubtedly one of the scariest moments of his long career.
Despite the severity of the crash, Force remains optimistic about his future in the sport. In his video message, he expressed his determination to return to the racetrack, joking about the long road to recovery. “I’ve got to get my mind back in shape. I took a pretty big hit in that crash at Richmond,” he said. “But at the end of the day, I’m going to recover, and I’m getting better already.”
Beyond his own racing exploits, Force has built a racing dynasty with his family. His daughters, Ashley Force Hood, Brittany Force, and Courtney Force, have all followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming successful drag racers in their own right.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He is eager to get back to racing, hoping to attend the upcoming race in Las Vegas to support his team and daughters. “I think they’re going to tell me this week that I can go to the Las Vegas race,” he said. “I want to watch Austin Prock and Robert Hight drive, and Brittany’s running for the championship.”
Though he still has a long way to go in his recovery, his passion for racing remains as strong as ever. Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that, despite the harrowing crash, John Force is on the road to recovery and already looking forward to his return to the NHRA.
