John Force, the 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion, has broken his silence following a harrowing crash that left him with a traumatic brain injury. In a video message, Force shared details about his recovery and reiterated his enduring passion for racing, along with his plans for the near future.
The crash, which took place during the NHRA Virginia Nationals in June, was caused by an engine failure that propelled his Chevrolet Camaro SS into a concrete barrier at speeds exceeding 300 mph. The aftermath of the incident involved a lengthy hospital stay and an intense rehabilitation program for Force.
Force’s update comes after spending four months in the hospital, including time at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. There, he received specialized treatment for brain injuries, fractures, and additional physical injuries incurred from the crash.
His recovery has included extensive cognitive and physical rehabilitation to address his ongoing memory and cognitive challenges.
NHRA drag racer John Force looks on during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 59th Annual DAYTONA 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2017 in Daytona Beach, Florida. John Force, a legendary NHRA champion, shares his recovery progress after his crash.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
“Hi, I’m John Force, 16-time Funny Car champ, and boy am I glad to be here after that crash I had in Richmond, but at the end of the day, I’m going to recover, and I’m getting better already. I was in the hospital for four months.
“I’m still working every day to get my body back in shape, but I got to get my mind back in shape. I took a pretty big hit in that crash at Richmond, so I’ve been in the hospital there in Richmond. I’ve been in Phoenix, Arizona, going through rehab, and I’m out here now, and I’m working at it every day.
“This is about what I love the most, and it’s racing. It’s NHRA. I love my sponsors, and I love all the fans, and I love your letters and all the things that you’ve written and all your support. You’ve really been good to me in a hard time.
“I mean, I’ve had four or five months that I’ve been laying in hospitals, going through rehab, and I’m going to get better. I’m under doctor’s orders. They tell me where I can go. I think they’re going to tell me this week that I can go to the Las Vegas race.
“I want to watch Prock driving Robert Hight’s funny car. Brittany’s running for the championship. She’s back in the points, but she’s got a fight ahead of her. Beckman’s doing a great job. I love the guy.
“He’s a great talker, and he’s full of it more than me, trust me. But I left I owed to tell you guys that I’m okay.
“I want to take a minute and thank you. I want to tell you I love you for the cards and the gifts and everything, because you showed me that you cared at a time when I needed help.
“Before I go, I’ve thanked all of you, but I want to take a minute. I want to thank my wife Laurie and all of my daughters, and I want to thank Robert Hight. They were there in Richmond, and they’re the ones that set up everything that I do. Every appointment, they were just trying to get me well. And it was a scary time for them.
“Not for me, I didn’t have a clue where I was at, so we’re gonna be okay. And right now I’m going to what I’m always told to do, I’m going to go back to my office and go to work.”
While John is not yet ready to return behind the wheel, he entrusts his team and family with the ongoing racing responsibilities. Jack Beckman, taking over the driving responsibilities during John’s recovery, has been a steadfast presence for the team.
As the NHRA community rallies around him, the prospect of seeing him in Las Vegas will be the beginning of an exciting and happy new chapter for him and his family, and for us the fans.
