John Force Breaks Silence with Video in Huge Announcement After Brain Injury

John Force speaks directly to the camera, looking determined.

John Force, the legendary 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion, has made a significant announcement regarding his recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained during a crash at the Virginia Motorsports Park in June. In a heartfelt video message, Force expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his recovery and shared his plans to return to the racing scene.

Key Takeaways

  • John Force suffered a traumatic brain injury in June after crashing at over 300 mph.
  • He spent four months in recovery, including specialized treatment at the Barrow Neurological Institute.
  • Force is set to attend the NHRA Nevada Nationals, marking his return to the racing community.

The Crash and Recovery

On June 23, 2024, John Force experienced a harrowing crash during the NHRA Virginia Nationals. An engine failure caused his Chevrolet Camaro SS to collide with a concrete barrier at speeds exceeding 300 mph. The incident resulted in a traumatic brain injury, leading to a lengthy hospital stay and extensive rehabilitation.

During his recovery, Force underwent cognitive and physical therapy to address the challenges posed by his injury. He spent considerable time at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, where he received specialized care.

A Message of Hope

In his recent video, Force shared his journey back to health, stating, "Hi, I'm John Force, 16-time Funny Car champ, and boy am I glad to be here after that crash I had in Richmond. At the end of the day, I'm going to recover, and I'm getting better already."

He expressed his love for racing and gratitude for the support from fans, sponsors, and his family. "I want to thank my wife Laurie and all of my daughters, and I want to thank Robert Hight. They were there in Richmond, and they're the ones that set up everything that I do."

Return to Racing

After months of rehabilitation, Force has received medical clearance to attend the NHRA Nevada Nationals. He plans to support his teams, which are competing for the NHRA Mission Foods Funny Car championship. Force stated, "Vegas is close enough to home that my wife and I can drive over. I want to show my support for our race teams, the fans, and all our sponsors."

While he is not yet ready to return to driving, Force's presence at the race will be a significant milestone for him and the NHRA community. His team has been led by Jack Beckman during his recovery, ensuring that the racing operations continue smoothly.

Looking Ahead

As John Force prepares to make his return to the racing scene, the NHRA community is rallying around him. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing resilience and the power of support from loved ones and fans alike. The upcoming Nevada Nationals will not only mark his return but also signify a new chapter in his storied career.

Fans eagerly await the moment they can see Force back at the track, cheering on his team and celebrating his remarkable recovery journey.

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