John Force update following fiery crash: Progress made, long road ahead from traumatic brain injury

John Force has been recovering in ICU and in neuro intensive care following a traumatic brain injury that he suffered in a fiery crash during a qualifying run at Virginia Nationals.

In the update, family members of Force shared that he failed to follow a series of commands, like squeezing a hand, early in the treatment process for a Traumatic Brain Injury (TMI). However, he did gain some momentum once he was moved into neuro intensive care. At that point, he became more consistent and was able to open his eyes.

While the progress being made is encouraging, there’s still a long road ahead in his recovery.

“The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress,” the update read in part. “He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull. However, he recognized his daughters, wife, Laurie, and called them each by name. And spoke the words, ‘I love you.’ This, along with continued daily progress, has uplifted their spirits.”

While some improvement is being made, there are still major challenges for John Force and his family. That includes John Force remaining in the neuro intensive care unit for the immediate future. At this time, only family members can see him.

“John’s family members extend their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals responsible for his well-being and recovery. They deeply appreciate the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages, prayers, support, and concern from the entire automotive and racing industries. Thank you to the sponsors, fans, and the media for respecting the privacy of the Force family and the John Force Racing team members,” the statement concluded.

John Force is a legend in NHRA, having won 16 championships. The first of those came in 1990 and his most recent was in 2013.

The wreck that injured Force came shortly after he won his qualifying heat at the NHRA Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. His engine exploded and his car burst into flames before he ended up slamming into the wall multiple times.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sends touching message to John Force after NHRA legend’s fiery crash

Following the crash that injured John Force, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared a touching message with the NHRA legend.

“Watched a previous post from Rick Mast and heard him call John Force the Richard Petty of drag racing,” Earnhardt said.

“It is a perfect comparison. John Force has long been everything to drag racing. And for me, every moment I spent around him was as thrilling as watching him run the strip. Certainly wishing him comfort and a smooth recovery.”