John Force has Marked Improvements

NHRA’s traditional track walk for its fans was a bit different on the final day of June, before the first round of eliminations at the 17th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals on the Summit Motorsports Park dragstrip at Norwalk, OH.

John Force Racing wheeled out the Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car normally driven by John Force and the Top Fuel dragster of his daughter, Brittany Force. Their tow vehicles led them – and some of the many fans on-hand for the race – down the 1,000-foot dragstrip, to pay tribute to both father and daughter, absent from this event. There was also a large banner on-site for fans, drivers and crews to sign to let John Force know he was here in spirit.

At the same time, an update on John Force’s condition came through that could set the NHRA community’s minds more at ease with the legend’s condition after his horrifying crash a week earlier at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals.

As expected, the first five days that Force was being treated were tense for both his medical team and for his family, all of whom are at the trauma hospital near Virginia Motorsports Park outside Richmond, where the 16-time Funny Car champion was taken for treatment.

During the early part of his traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment, Force failed to follow a series of commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of his care providers and move his extremities. From time to time, he would respond with slight movements, but it wasn’t until his transfer to the neurological intensive care department from trauma care on Wednesday that he began to gain some momentum.

Force’s consistency in responding to commands and the fact that he was able to open his eyes on his fifth day of treatment, gave his family and physicians some hope. Wife Laurie and daughters Adria, Ashley, Brittany and Courtney were overcome when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when he gave a thumbs up after being prompted to do so.

The largest issue his medical team has faced thus far is Force’s extreme agitation and confusion, which has caused the 157-race winner significant distress. He’s tried, repeatedly, to get out of his bed and has needed to be restrained; his physicians have humorously described him as a raging bull. Finally, he’s been able to recognize his wife, his daughters and called each by their names, speaking the words “I love you.” This, along with continued daily progress has uplifted their spirits.

Despite the progress, Force does face a long and arduous recovery ahead and, for the immediate future he will remain in neuro intensive care with visitation restricted to immediate family members only.

The Force family are grateful to the medical professionals entrusted with John’s care, who are helping him to recover. They’ve also said they’re overwhelmed by the number of heartfelt messages, prayers, support and concern from the entire racing and automotive communities. Again, they thank the sponsors, fans and media for respecting their privacy.