National Hot Rod Association great John Force was alert and talking to safety workers immediately after a fiery, 300-mph crash Sunday in the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park.
John Force Racing said the 75-year-old Force — a racing world legend — was examined at the track by the NHRA Medical Team before being transported by medical helicopter to a facility for further evaluation.
During the first round of Funny Car eliminations, the engine exploded on Force’s car at the finish line, with the vehicle going across the center line and striking the left concrete guard wall, then careening back across into the right wall.
Three weeks ago in New Hampshire, Force raced to his record 157th NHRA victory and second of the season.
In 2007 at age 58, Force was seriously injured in a racing crash in Ennis, Texas.
“We’re keeping our pal John Force in our thought and prayers. He’s one tough cookie,” Tony Stewart, the former NASCAR star who now races in NHRA’s Top Fuel class, wrote on social media.
We’re keeping our pal John Force in our thoughts and prayers. He’s one tough cookie. #TSRnitro | #NHRA | @TonyStewart | @NHRA | @JFR_Racing pic.twitter.com/k5BZY4EFel
— Tony Stewart Racing Nitro (@TSRnitro) June 23, 2024
Have you ever attended any kind of motor race?
And plenty of X users agreed.
He sure is !
— Andy Gurley (@AndyGurley1) June 23, 2024
He’s a very tough GOAT 🙏🙏
— Nick Wells @sprinta27 (@NickWel48314685) June 24, 2024
My husband met him last year in Sonoma. He said he was very kind and funny. Praying for a speedy recovery 🙏🏼
— W Azevedo (@Azevedo2W) June 24, 2024
On Sunday, long after Force’s accident, teammate Austin Prock won the Funny Car division, topping Bob Tasca III in the final round.
The trophy “is going straight to the hospital to John Force,” Prock said from the winners’ circle.
“It’s just tough to see somebody go through that, especially when it’s somebody you really care about, but I know he’ll be back. We’re race car drivers and we have to flip the switch. I know John wanted us to be out here, going rounds and I’m glad we did our job.”
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