NHRA racing great John Force has been moved out of neurological intensive care after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a fiery 300 mph crash at the Virginia Nationals last month.
Force, 75, was moved from neurological intensive care to neurological acute care at the hospital, where he was transported by air ambulance on June 23, John Force Racing said in a statement Friday.
Force suffered a traumatic brain injury and other injuries, including a fractured sternum, in the crash during the first round of Funny Car qualifying.
Force’s car suffered a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line, and the car crossed the centre line and crashed into the left concrete crash wall, before crashing back into the right crash wall.
The team’s statement said Force still has periods of confusion and will likely at some point be moved to a long-term care facility specializing in TBI and associated symptoms.
John Force has left neurological intensive care after suffering a traumatic brain injury
He has been able to talk and walk with the assistance of medical staff, but the statement said “medical professionals emphasized once again that the journey ahead will be long and difficult.”
Following a 300mph crash at the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park on Sunday, Force was rushed to hospital after his vehicle caught fire and crashed into a wall in terrifying scenes.
The 75-year-old recorded a 306.62 mph victory over Terry Haddock in the right lane before the engine of his PEAK Chevy Camaro blew up during the high-speed race.
In 2007, at age 58, Force was also seriously injured in a racing accident in Ennis, Texas.
Force, 75, had cruised to a 306.62mph victory over Terry Haddock before the terrifying crash.
He continued to compete at the highest level, scoring his second win of the season and his record 157th NHRA start at New Hampshire.
Force’s daughter, Brittany, is a two-time world champion.
An earlier update on June 30 said Force was showing “daily signs of improvement” and had opened his eyes for the first time since his accident.
He was also able to tell his family that he loves them.
“He acknowledged his daughters, his wife, Laurie, and called each of them by name. And he said, ‘I love you.’ This, along with continued daily progress, has lifted their spirits,” a statement said.