Legendary NHRA champion John Force, 75, suffered a terrible crash during qualifying at Virginia National. The 16-time champion’s blown engine sent him crashing from one wall to another in a violent wreck – possibly the worst of his long and celebrated career.
Everything happens at lightning speed in Funny Car racing, and when things go bad, they go really bad. Force’s condition was unknown immediately following the crash as he was rushed to the hospital to undergo further evaluation. Fortunately, he was awake and alert following the harrowing ordeal.
It was a scary scene for spectators and fans all around the country. Nobody wants to see any driver, regardless of their status, endure such a frightening accident. But seeing racing legend John Force suffer such a wreck was especially hard to take.
Official statement on @JohnForce_FC [1]’s Funny Car incident at the PlayNHRA #VirginiaNats [2]. pic.twitter.com/H4xeoVEmN6 [3]
— NHRA (@NHRA) June 23, 2024 [4]
Force remains a fierce competitor on the circuit this season and has won his fair share of finals. At his age and with his decades-long resume of achievements, he is a true icon and legend of NHRA racing. Additionally, his children have gone on to do great things in the sport as well.
I am thinking of my hero @JohnForce_FC [1] ❤️
Praying he is okay🏁 pic.twitter.com/SGpT1INTig [5]— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) June 23, 2024 [6]
Here’s hoping that John Force has a speedy and full recovery from his injuries – and that he can continue to inspire generations of racing fans and drivers for years to come.