Drag Racing Legend John Force Returns Home to Southern California After Setback Following 300-MPH Crash

John Force Moves to Outpatient Care After Frightening 300-MPH Crash

Southern California drag racing icon John Force has transitioned to outpatient care following a harrowing 300-mph crash that left the 16-time NHRA champion hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury. The 75-year-old Force, a native of Bell Gardens and a resident of Yorba Linda, returned home on Monday after spending 15 days in a Virginia hospital and undergoing a rehabilitation stint in Arizona.

The news was shared by John Force Racing on social

media, bringing relief to fans and the racing community. “He finally gets to sleep in his own bed,” said daughter Ashley Force Hood in a statement released on Tuesday. Daughter Brittany Force also shared a heartwarming update on Instagram, posting a photo of her father smiling and giving a thumbs up from his hospital bed.

Force was discharged from the Barrow Neurological Institute, where he had been receiving intensive rehabilitation since early July. According to the family’s statement, he will continue his recovery at home with outpatient treatment, including speech, occupational, and physical therapy to address lingering short-term memory and cognitive issues.

Southern California Drag Racing Legend Begins Road to Recovery at Home

“Peace out Phoenix! After 30 days, my dad is finally heading home where we will continue outpatient therapy,” Brittany Force wrote on Instagram. “These next steps to recovery will definitely be a family effort!”

The crash that led to Force’s injuries occurred on June 23 during the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the Virginia Nationals, held at Virginia Motorsports Park. Force’s engine exploded at the finish line, causing his car to cross the strip’s centerline and collide with the driver’s side concrete guard wall. The vehicle then ricocheted back across the track, hitting the opposite wall. Despite the fiery crash, Force was alert and communicating with safety workers immediately afterward. He was evaluated by the NHRA medical team before being airlifted from the track for further treatment.

In addition to the traumatic brain injury, Force sustained a fractured sternum and an injury to his right wrist. The racing community has rallied around him, showing immense support and admiration for his resilience and determination to recover.

Force, who attended Cerritos College, has had an illustrious career in drag racing, becoming one of the most recognizable and successful figures in the sport. His recent ordeal has highlighted the dangers inherent in motorsports, while also showcasing the strength and unity of the racing community.

As Force embarks on the next phase of his recovery at home, fans and fellow racers alike are sending their best wishes and hoping for a swift and complete recovery. His journey from the crash to outpatient care is a testament to his tenacity and the unwavering support of his family and the broader racing community.