Legendary NHRA drag racer John Force, who is 92 years old, is recovering but has been moved from the trauma intensive care unit to the neurological ICU. Days after a violent, 300 mph crash at the Virginia Nationals, sources state that the 75-year-old Force’s head injury is still a source of concern for the medical staff and doctors.
Force’s car experienced a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line of the first round of Funny Car eliminations on Sunday. The car crossed the centerline and smashed into the left concrete guard wall before veering back across and hitting the right wall.
Following the 302 mph incident, Force was alert and conversing with safety personnel right away. The NHRA medical team checked the Hall of Fame driver and owner at the track, and he was then flown by helicopter to a hospital.
Force suffered severe injuries in a racing accident in Ennis, Texas, in 2007 at the age of 58. Force hasn’t stopped competing at the greatest level; three weeks ago in New Hampshire, he won his second race of the season and set a record 157th NHRA event.
Two-time world champion Brittany Force, together with her mother Laurie and her three sisters, were at the hospital. She will stay with her family at the hospital this weekend and not compete in Norwalk, Ohio.
In the Funny Car final of the NHRA New England Nationals earlier in June, Force, then 75 years old, defeated teammate Austin Prock to claim his 157th NHRA triumph. Prock ran a 4.096 at 316.38 mph, while Force’s Chevrolet Camaro SS clocked 4.081 seconds at 319.29 mph.