Daughter posts hospital photo of John Force from today, updates NHRA legend's status
Brittany Force, daughter of NHRA Funny Car legend John Force, has provided an update and photo of her father as he recovers. The elder Force was involved in a fiery wreck in Richmond for the Virginia Nationals.
After his qualifying run, John Force experienced an engine explosion. His car, at more than 300 MPH, then went into the opposite wall, coming back to slam into the wall on his side of the dragstrip.
Since then, Force has been recovering in intensive care dealing with a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. He also suffered a broken sternum and a right wrist injury.
Brittany posted a photo to Instagram, the first of her father since his accident. He is surrounded by family and friends as he continues to heal.
“Thank you everyone for your ongoing prayers for my dad after his accident in Richmond. My family and I have seen the outpour of uplifting words and support over the last couple of weeks and we are so appreciative of you all. It truly means so much to us. My dad has made some great progress here in Virginia, but he still has a long road ahead. The next step is getting him moved to a rehabilitation center.
“We are so blessed to be a part of this amazing racing community. Nobody is tougher than my dad, and I know it will be everyone’s support that helps him get through these next steps in his recovery. Thank you everyone!”
John Force is a living legend in motorsports. What he has accomplished in the NHRA Funny Car division should cannot be overstated. He has broken barriers in every conceivable way and is a beloved driver across many disciplines of racing.
Hopefully, there are more good updates on the way for Force and his family.
John Force dealing with TBI, other injuries
There is a long way to go for John Force. While he has gone through a terrible wreck, his family and team have been supporting him the whole way. It sounds like the injuries are severe and the road to recovery will be long. But there has been good news every step of the way.
This was the update given two days ago on July 5.
“The latest update was welcomed by Force family members who have maintained a presence at the hospital since the 16-time NHRA Champion’s arrival, but medical professionals emphasized once again that the journey ahead will be a long and difficult one.
“Although Force is still dealing with cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI, the fact that the Hall of Fame driver can converse with medical staff, family members, and John Force Racing president Robert Hight, who flew in this week, is an encouraging sign. However, there have also been periods of confusion, which doctors say require time and patience to treat.”
The motorsports world reached out when John Force was in that wreck. There have been countless messages from racers, in the NHRA and outside, fans, and industry leaders. John Force IS a force in the world of racing. Thoughts and prayers with him and his family as they continue on this journey