John Force is moving forward with his recuperation.
After five anxious days of being severely sedated while battling the effects of injuries sustained in a 300-mile-per-hour collision of his drag racing Funny Car, John Force has begun to show daily indications of recovery.
On Sunday, the John Force Racing team published its first update since June 27. According to family members who have remained at the trauma center since his air ambulance transport on June 23.
Force was taken to the hospital after a catastrophic engine failure forced his Funny Car into a concrete guard wall at 302 mph after winning the first round of the NHRA Virginia Nationals on June 23 at Virginia Motorsports Park.
He crashed into a side wall at the top seed. The automobile exploded twice and rolled onto its side before returning to its upright position.
According to a press release issued by JFR on Sunday, early in the treatment procedure for his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Force failed to obey the series of directions to open his eyes, squeeze his care providers’ hands, and move his extremities.
Force could occasionally reply with small movements. But it wasn’t until Wednesday, when he was transferred from the trauma intensive care unit to the neuro intensive care unit, that he began to make progress.
“He became more consistent responding to commands and finally opened his eyes on day five,” stated the announcement. “Following days of failed attempts, his wife and daughters were overcome with emotion when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when prompted, gave a thumbs up.”
The most difficult task has been controlling his excessive agitation and bewilderment, which causes Force significant grief.
“He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull,” according to the JFR announcement. “However, he knew his daughters, wife, and Laurie and addressed them all by name. And said the words “I love you.” This, combined with consistent daily progress, has raised their morale.”
Brittany Force dropped out of her Top Fuel dragster at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk to be with her family in support of her father.
Despite the encouraging progress, Force still has a long and difficult rehabilitation ahead. For the time being, he will remain in neuro critical care, with visitation limited to immediate family members only.
“John’s family members express their heartfelt gratitude to the medical experts who cared for his health and rehabilitation. They are very grateful for the huge number of emotional comments, prayers, support, and concern from the entire automobile and racing industry.
“Thank you to sponsors, fans, and the media for respecting the privacy of the Force family and the John Force Racing team members.”
Force is the most successful driver in American motorsports history, with 157 circuit victories that have culminated in the 75-year-old’s 16th world championship. He was in contention for another season championship when the accident occurred.
This was not Force’s first experience with a serious crash. Force, known for his candor, has often stated, “I’ve been on fire from here to Australia.”
He survived a serious crash in Dallas in 2007, which resulted in life-threatening injuries that kept him hospitalized for more than a month.
The recent crash occurred just ahead of one of Force’s favorite trips, as he is in six separate halls of fame.
A piece of Norwalk’s grandstands are named in Force’s honor, and a picture of his likeness can be seen high atop Summit Motorsports Park.
Force, who got his 157th career win in late April in Epping, New Hampshire, won the Summit Nationals in 2014. He presented his Wally trophy to racetrack owner Bill Bader Jr. following his victory.
Force has been a fixture at the Norwalk track for decades, serving as one of the main attractions during the annual Night Under Fire display.
Fans were allowed to autograph a large “Get well soon, John” sign near the pit area during this weekend’s event. Even though John and Brittany were not present, their cars were on show.
Sunday’s Track Walk, which allows spectators to walk the 1,000 feet of dragstrip before driver introductions, included fans walking behind both John and Brittany’s cars as they were towed down the strip.
