NHRA legend John Force was aware and speaking with safety personnel shortly after a fiery, 300-mph crash Sunday at Virginia Motorsports Park.
According to John Force Racing, the 75-year-old Force was checked on the track by the NHRA Medical Team before being flown by medical helicopter to a facility for further evaluation.
During the first round of Funny Car eliminations, the engine exploded near the finish line, sending Force’s car across the centerline and into the left concrete guard wall before careening back across into the right wall.
Three weeks ago in New Hampshire, Force raced to his record 157th NHRA victory and second of the season. In 2007 at age 58, Force was seriously injured in a racing crash in Ennis, Texas.
“We’re keeping our pal John Force in our thought and prayers. He’s one tough cookie,” Tony Stewart, the former NASCAR star who now races in NHRA’s Top Fuel class, said on social media.
On Sunday, long after Force’s accident, teammate Austin Prock won the Funny Car division, topping Bob Tasca III in the final round.
“(The trophy) is going straight to the hospital to John Force,” Prock said from the winners’ circle.
“It’s just tough to see somebody go through that, especially when it’s somebody you really care about, but I know he’ll be back. We’re race car drivers and we have to flip the switch. I know John wanted us to be out here, going rounds and I’m glad we did our job.”
