NHRA legend and 16-time Funny Car champion John Force has been officially released from a neurological rehabilitation center in Arizona, one month after suffering a harrowing crash during the NHRA Virginia Nationals. The 75-year-old icon is now transitioning into outpatient care near his California home, continuing his recovery after enduring a traumatic brain injury and other significant wounds.
The frightening incident occurred during the first round of competition at Virginia Motorsports Park on June 23. Force had just crossed the finish line to win his opening Funny Car matchup when his vehicle suddenly exploded and careened into the adjacent lane. Traveling at an estimated 302 mph, the dragster slammed into a concrete wall, spun out, and briefly went airborne before hitting the pavement again in his original lane. Emergency crews responded immediately, and although Force was alert and responsive at the scene, he was airlifted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical evaluation.
The severity of the crash raised concern throughout the motorsports world. Doctors diagnosed Force with a traumatic brain injury, along with a fractured sternum and damage to his right wrist. He was soon transferred to the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, where he began an intensive rehabilitation process focusing on cognitive and physical recovery.
On Tuesday, Force was discharged from inpatient care and will now undergo occupational and physical therapy as an outpatient. According to reports, some short-term memory and cognitive challenges remain, but Force has shown encouraging signs of progress. The outpatient treatment will help him work through these lingering effects while being closer to his family and familiar surroundings.
John Force’s recovery has drawn immense support from fans, fellow racers, and the broader NHRA community. Widely regarded as the most decorated driver in drag racing history, Force has accumulated 157 career race victories and 16 Funny Car titles, a testament to his dominance and longevity in the sport. At the time of his accident, he was enjoying a strong 2024 season, having already captured two wins and sitting second in the NHRA standings.
This is not the first time Force has faced adversity on the track. In 2007, he sustained serious injuries including a dislocated wrist and broken ankle after a crash at the Fall Nationals in Texas. That incident forced him to sit out the remainder of the season. Still, the veteran driver returned with the same intensity and continued to add to his legacy.
While it is too early to determine whether Force will return to racing competition, his focus now is firmly on healing and regaining his full health. As he enters this new phase of rehabilitation, his determination and the unwavering support from his fans will no doubt play a crucial role in his recovery journey. For now, the motorsports world breathes a sigh of relief knowing that one of its greatest champions is on the mend.