16-time Funny Car champion John Force announced his return to the NHRA stage in Las Vegas after suffering a brain injury in a horrific crash in Virginia earlier this year.

June 23: John Force Hospitalized

During qualifying rounds in Virginia, Force had a serious crash due to engine failure while driving a Chevrolet Camaro SS. Traveling at speeds in excess of 300 miles per hour, his car crashed into a concrete barrier, resulting in traumatic injuries such as brain damage, sternum fractures and wrist injuries.

Despite the magnitude of the impact, Force remained conscious and communicative and expressed gratitude for the support of his family, especially his daughter Brittany, who was by his side as he was transported to a nearby hospital.

Britain He commented at the time:

“My dad is going to be okay; I was with him in the ambulance, holding his hand. He’s one of the toughest people I know, so he’s going to bounce back like he always does.”

June 27: Transfer to Neuro Intensive Care Unit

Initially treated in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit, he was soon transferred to the Neuro Intensive Care Unit as experts focused on brain damage. The NHRA issued an update at the time and wrote:

“Our thoughts and prayers continue with John and his family. He is a legend of our sport and is universally loved and it has been incredible to see the tremendous support from the racing community during this time.”

“From everyone in the NHRA family, we wish John nothing but the best in his ongoing recovery.”

July 5: Signs of Recovery

There was a brief respite on July 5, when he had improved sufficiently to proceed to acute neurological care.

John Force Racing he stated at the time:

“It’s been less than two weeks since draft racing champion John Force suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), among other injuries that included a sternum fracture and a right wrist injury, following an engine explosion that sent his Funny Car crashing into a concrete guard wall. On the clock “At 300 mph, doctors deemed him responding well to treatment and he was transferred from neuro-intensive care at the hospital to which he was transported by air ambulance on June 23.”

July 9: Rehabilitation Center

He was transferred to a rehabilitation center on July 9. Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix guided him through both cognitive and physical rehabilitation.

John Force Racing commented:

“After 15 days in various levels of intensive care at VCU Medical Center, drag racing champion John Force was released Tuesday in time to board an AirMed ambulance for a three-hour flight to the neurological rehabilitation center where he was treated for Traumatic Brain Injury from the June 23 crash. “His accident will continue.”

July 23: Moving from Rehabilitation Center to California

Force returned to California to receive outpatient treatment. Brittany Force shared the update on social media as follows:

“Hail to Phoenix! After 30 days, my dad is finally heading home where we will continue outpatient treatment. These next steps towards recovery will definitely be a family effort! Here are some photos from our time in Phoenix.”

Update from John Force Racing stated:

“A month after an engine blowout at Virginia Motorsports Park sent his race car crashing into a concrete guard wall at 300 mph, drag racing champion John Force was discharged Tuesday from Barrow Neurological Institute, where he had been rehabbing for a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) ).

“According to family members, the 16-time Funny Car Champion will now be on an outpatient basis in California while continuing to work with therapists who specialize in these types of injuries.

“‘He can finally sleep in his own bed,'” said daughter Ashley Hood, who, along with her sisters Brittany, Courtney and Adria, and mother Laurie, were a constant presence during the Hall of Fame driver and owner’s hospitalizations in Virginia and Arizona.

“The next phase in the recovery process will be outpatient talk and OTPT (Occupational and Physical Therapy) to address persistent short-term memory and cognitive issues.”

October 18: Promising Update Detected

Forces’ daughter Brittany shares ‘Day in the Life’ video instagram It offered a glimpse into Force’s recovery. Her father appeared to be in a good mood as he hugged her on the porch.

October 20: Brittany Force Hints at a Comeback

Speaking to the media, Brittany Force confirmed that they hope to have her father, John, return for the NHRA event in Las Vegas. commented:

“If it’s ready, that’s what we’re striving for.”

October 24: John Force Announces NHRA Return

In an emotional video released by John Force Racing, Force confirmed that he wants to return to the NHRA event in Las Vegas. Although he won’t be in the driver’s seat, he will be there to support the John Force Racing team. He explained:

“Hi, I’m John Force, I’m a 16-time Funny Car champion and I’m very happy to be here after my accident at Richmond, but at the end of the day, I’m going to heal and I’m going to heal.” I’m already getting better. I was in the hospital for four months.

“I’m still working out every day to get my body back in shape, but I have to get my mind back in shape. I took a pretty big hit in the crash in Richmond, so I was in the hospital in Richmond. I went into rehab in Phoenix, Arizona, and I’m here now and working on it every day.” I am working.

“This is what I love most, and racing. NHRA. I love my sponsors, I love all the fans, I love your letters, everything you write, and all your support. You’ve been really good to me during my hard times.”

“So, I’ve spent four or five months in hospitals, in rehab, and I’m going to get better. I’m under the doctor’s orders. They’re telling me where I can go. I think this week they’re going to tell me I can go to the Las Vegas race.”