NHRA icon John Force was discharged from a hospital on Tuesday and transported to a neurological rehabilitation center as he continues to recuperate from a severe crash that resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Force, aged 75, had been in the hospital since June 23 following a catastrophic engine failure in his car at the finish line, causing it to collide with a concrete guard wall at a speed of 302 mph. He was conscious and communicating after the incident but was later heavily sedated at a local hospital.
According to a statement from John Force Racing issued on Tuesday, the move to a rehabilitation facility was seen as a significant advancement in his recovery journey, as determined by his family members.
The statement noted that medical professionals warned of the challenging path ahead. Force is experiencing cognitive and behavioral symptoms stemming from the TBI. While he has been able to communicate with family and medical staff, he occasionally experiences confusion.
The team’s statement did not specify a duration for Force’s stay at the new facility, which was chosen based on its track record in treating other race car drivers facing similar challenges.
Force and his family have been prominent figures in drag racing for many years. Force himself claimed 16 NHRA Funny Car championships as a driver and an additional 22 as a team owner. His daughters Ashley Force Hood, Brittany Force, and Courtney Force have all participated in NHRA drag racing.
Despite his extensive career, Force continues to compete actively. He secured his second victory of 2024 on June 2 at the NHRA New England Nationals.
