Earlier today, John Force, the legendary 16-time champion in NHRA Funny Cars, was involved in a violent wreck. Force was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and was injured in the incident.
The wreck happened shortly after John Force won his qualifying heat. His engine exploded causing his car to burst into a ball of flames. He crossed the track and slammed the wall on his opponent’s side. Then he came back to hit the wall on his side of the track.
Force was alert when the safety team got to him. He was sent to the hospital afterward.
“John Force, drag racing’s most prolific winner and a contender this year for an unprecedented 17th NHRA Funny Car championship, was injured Sunday in the 300 mile-an-hour crash of his PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro in the first round of the 14th PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals.,” John Force Racing said in a statement.
“The Hall of Fame driver and car owner crossed the finish line at Virginia Motorsports Park in 4.100 seconds at a speed of 302.62 miles per hour after winning his first round race when his car suffered a catastrophic engine failure that sent it, on fire, careening across the track and into the concrete guardwall bordering the left side of the track. That impact sent it back across the track and into the right guardrail before it came to rest in the middle of the track.
“The 75-year-old Hall of Famer, who won two of the season’s first eight races and is in second place in points behind teammate Austin Prock, was conscious and talking to NHRA Safety Safari personnel immediately following the crash. He was transported to a nearby Medical Center for further evaluation in the ICU.”
Terrifying crash for John Force
John Force taken to the hospital
A ton of messages poured out for John Force after his wreck. He is beloved not just in NHRA, but in all forms of motorsports. If you know his story and his accomplishments, you can’t discredit him.
Former NASCAR star Kenny Wallace shared his thoughts about Force, calling him his “hero” on social media. Force has proven that age is just a number and you can do whatever you put your mind to and do what you love.
Today’s wreck was a reminder of how dangerous the sport of drag racing is. Things can go from good to catastrophic in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, Force was awake and able to communicate after the wreck.
At this time, it is unclear if John Force can continue this season, if he will take a few weeks off, or if the injuries are more severe than that. Thoughts and prayers with Force and his family as they go through the process of healing now.
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