(DailyChive.com) – 16-time NHRA champion John Force survived a horrific car accident as his engine exploded and forced his car to crash into the guard walls on June 23.
As the explosion happened, Force’s Funny car crossed the centerline before crashing into the wall. The car caught fire, and Force immediately ejected the vehicle and received urgent treatment from the onsite NHRA medical team.
He was then taken to the hospital, where he was kept in the Intensive Care Unit and failed to respond to the doctor’s commands for almost five days, during which he went through brain trauma treatment.
According to the NHRA, the unfortunate incident happened at Virginia Motorsports Park during playNHRA Virginia Nationals when Force was participating in the first elimination round of the event. Although Force managed to win the race against Terry Haddock after clocking 306.62mph, his engine exploded right after he crossed the finish line.
His race team, John Force Racing (JFR), stated that Force opened his eyes five days after the accident, spoke his name and managed to give thumbs up to the doctors on their command.
However, he is still showing agitated behaviour and signs of confusion and is monitored in intensive care, where only immediate family members are allowed to visit him, the race team added.
JFR acknowledged the efforts of the medical professional who treated Force for the life-threatening injuries and thanked his fans and supporters for their continuous support after the accident. It remains unclear whether the drag racer would continue his career after the recovery.
When he emerged victorious in the 156th race of his career in April, he speculated that he once thought that this would be his last race, but a victory changed his thought process.
At the time, Force, 75, stated that he was approaching the end of his career and was only trying to enjoy the last moments before eventually walking off the field.
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