John Force Provides Recovery Update on NHRA Return – ‘I’ve Been Hit in the Head Many Times’

Racing legend and NHRA Funny Car driver, John Force, returned to the drag racing scene at the Ford Performance Nationals, held on The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. During the event, Force provided an update on his recovery from a traumatic brain injury suffered in a crash in June 2024 and announced new sponsorship deals for his team.

On June 23, 2024, Force was involved in a serious crash at the NHRA Virginia Nationals. His engine exploded during the race, causing him to crash into a concrete barrier at speeds of more than 300 miles per hour. The incident resulted in Force suffering a traumatic brain injury, a broken sternum and a right wrist injury.

While speaking to the media in Las Vegas, Power explained:

‘I’m going to watch for a while. That’s what I have to do to get better. I got hit in the head – not just once…many times. And it all piled up.

‘I’m not going anywhere. I’m a spectator, just like you. So let’s have some fun today.’

The road to recovery was difficult. After the accident, Force was flown to a hospital in Virginia. He spent more than two weeks in intensive care, initially in the Trauma ICU and then transferred to the Neuro ICU as his condition began to improve. Intensive rehabilitation followed, first at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, to address cognitive and physical issues, before returning to California for outpatient therapy.

During this difficult period, Force’s family rallied behind him. His daughters, especially Courtney Force Rahal and Brittany Force, along with his wife Laurie, were steadfast in their support.

During the NHRA event in Las Vegas, Force also announced new business developments for John Force Racing. The team has signed sponsorship deals extending to 2025 and beyond.

“(PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant) just put me in a four-year program, so I’m excited about that. And Cornwell Tools signed up (Waiting Funny Car champion Austin) Prock. They bought (sponsorship for) that car. So I’m back to work.”

For Force, returning to the racing environment – ​​albeit in a non-competitive role – was incredibly emotional. He added:

“It’s good to be here. The fans are incredible. I love the fans. I love NHRA. I hadn’t seen my team for almost four or five months. It was good to be back. I feel good. I have a lot of the work we need to do going forward. My teams have held it together, so God bless them.

“God bless you all, and God bless America.”

John Force’s legacy with the NHRA is unparalleled, with 157 event victories and 16 titles as Funny Car World Champion since beginning his career in 1978.