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By Lydia Mee
Sports Contributing Writer
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Racing legend and NHRA Funny Car driver, John Force, made his return to the drag racing scene at the Ford Performance Nationals, held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. During the event, Force provided an update on his recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a June 2024 crash and announced new sponsorship deals for his team.
On June 23, 2024, Force was involved in a severe crash at the NHRA Virginia Nationals. His engine exploded during the race, causing him to crash into a concrete barrier at speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour. The incident resulted in Force sustaining a traumatic brain injury, a fractured sternum, and a right wrist injury.
Whilst speaking to the media in Las Vegas, Force explained:
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"I'm going to be spectating for awhile. That's what I need to do to get well. I got hit in the head – not just once . . . a lot of times. And it all kind of built up.
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"I'm not going anywhere. I'm a spectator, like you. So let's have some fun today."
The path to recovery has been arduous. Following the accident, Force was quickly flown to a Virginia hospital. He spent over two weeks in intensive care, initially in the Trauma ICU, then transitioning to the Neuro ICU as his condition began to improve. Intensive rehabilitation followed, first at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, to address cognitive and physical challenges, before returning to California for outpatient therapy.
Throughout this difficult period, Force's family rallied around him. His daughters, especially Courtney Force Rahal and Brittany Force, along with his wife Laurie, were steadfast in their support.
At the Las Vegas NHRA event, Force also announced new business developments for John Force Racing. The team has secured sponsorship deals extending into 2025 and beyond.
"[PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant] just put me in a four-year program, so I'm excited about that. And Cornwell Tools signed up [Funny Car champion-in-waiting Austin] Prock. They bought [sponsorship for] that car. So I'm back in business."
For Force, returning to the racing environment—albeit in a non-competitive role—was incredibly emotional. He added:
"It's good to be here. The fans are unbelievable. Love the fans. Love NHRA. I hadn't seen my team in four or five months almost. It was good to be back. I feel good. I've got a lot of work to do in the future. My teams have held it together, so God bless 'em.
"God bless all of you, and God bless America."
John Force's legacy in NHRA is unparalleled, with 157 event wins and 16 titles as a Funny Car world champion since his career began in 1978.
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