NHRA Funny Car great John Force made a historic return to the racing world during the Ford Performance NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This was Force’s first public appearance since a tragic incident in June at the Virginia Nationals that left him with a severe brain injury. On November 1, 2024, during the first elimination session of the Ford Performance NHRA Nationals, John Force announced his presence by standing at the starting line with his two Funny Cars.
Force began his NHRA career in 1978 and has dominated the competition with 157 event victories, making him one of the most successful racers in history. His career has been defined by both successes and terrible injuries, most notably a devastating crash in 2007 that left him fighting to return to competitive racing. On June 23, 2024, Force collided with the concrete guard walls when his car had catastrophic engine failure at almost 300 mph. He needed extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation due to his injuries, which included a traumatic brain injury and a cracked sternum.
John Force recently made his first public appearance at the NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas after a severe June crash in Virginia left him with multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. His recovery involved an initial stay at VCU Medical Center, followed by specialized treatment at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. In an October 24 video update, Force expressed gratitude for fan support and optimism for his continued recovery, sharing plans to attend the Las Vegas event and cheer on his team and family members competing in NHRA.
In his heartfelt message, John Force expressed deep gratitude for the support from fans, friends, and family, especially his wife Laurie, daughters, and Robert Hight, who helped him through his recovery. He reflected on his determination to heal, emphasizing his love for NHRA and the community that stood by him. With a humorous nod to his famous talkative nature, he assured fans of his ongoing recovery and his commitment to return to racing life, thanking everyone for their care during a challenging time.
