John Force’s Family Updates On His Condition After 300 mph Crash

John Force’s family shared encouraging news about his recovery following a harrowing 300 mph crash. Force’s condition has shown significant improvement since his transfer to the neuro ICU. He now responds to commands, recognizing his name and identifying family members, although he faces the common challenges associated with waking up from intensive care. This survival story adds another chapter to Force’s career, marked by intense and dangerous accidents.

Progress in the Neuro ICU

RICHMOND, Va. (June 30, 2024) – After five tense days of heavy sedation due to injuries from the 300 mph crash of his drag racing Funny Car, 16-time NHRA World Champion John Force is showing daily signs of improvement. His family, present at the trauma hospital since his air ambulance arrival on Sunday, reports these developments with cautious optimism.

Early in his treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Force struggled to follow commands like opening his eyes, squeezing hands, and moving his extremities. While he occasionally responded with slight movements, significant progress began after his transfer from the trauma ICU to the neuro ICU on Wednesday.

Signs of Recovery

On day five, Force finally opened his eyes. The emotional breakthrough for his wife and daughters came when he murmured his name, “John Force,” and gave a thumbs up when prompted. His biggest challenge remains managing extreme agitation and confusion, causing significant distress and necessitating restraints. His doctors humorously described him as a “raging bull.”

Despite these difficulties, Force recognized his wife, Laurie, and their daughters, calling them by name and expressing his love. This recognition and his continued daily progress have uplifted their spirits immensely.

Family Support and Gratitude

In a show of family solidarity, Brittany Force chose not to compete in this week’s 17th Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio, to support her father. The family, while heartened by his progress, acknowledges the long and challenging recovery ahead. For now, Force will remain in the neuro ICU with visitation restricted to immediate family.

The Force family extends their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals overseeing his recovery. They appreciate the overwhelming messages, prayers, and support from the automotive and racing industries. They also thank sponsors, fans, and the media for respecting their privacy during this challenging time.

Full Update

RICHMOND, Va. (June 30, 2024) – After five tense days during which he was heavily sedated while battling the effects of injuries suffered in the 300 mile-per-hour crash of his drag racing Funny Car, 16-time NHRA World Champion John Force has begun to show daily signs of improvement, according to family members who have maintained a presence at the trauma hospital to which he was transported by air ambulance on Sunday. Early in the treatment process of his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), he failed to follow the series of commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of his care providers and move his extremities. Occasionally, he was able to respond with slight movements, but it wasn’t until he moved from trauma intensive care unit to neuro intensive care unit on Wednesday that he began to gain some momentum. He became more consistent responding to commands and finally opened his eyes on day five. Following days of failed attempts, his wife and daughters were overcome with emotion when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when prompted, gave a thumbs up.  The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress. 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. Brittany opted out of the cockpit of the Cornwell Tools Top Fuel dragster at this week’s 17th Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at Norwalk, Ohio, to remain with family in support of her dad.  Despite the welcomed progress, the 157- time tour winner still faces a long and difficult recovery ahead and for the immediate future, will remain in neuro intensive care with visitation restricted to immediate family members only. 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 sponsors, fans, and the media for respecting the privacy of the Force family and the John Force Racing team members.