‘Encouraging sign’: John Force team gives update on NHRA driver

The team says Force is walking with assistance after suffering a traumatic brain injury

John Force, the NHRA champion, is still recovering in the hospital. The 16-time titleholder was wounded in a crash during the first round of funny car eliminations at the PLAYNHRA Virginia Nationals last month. The team said on Friday that Force, 75, sustained a traumatic brain injury, a fractured sternum, and a right wrist injury in the event. He was shifted from neuro-intensive care to acute neuro care. “Although Force is still dealing with cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI, the fact that the Hall of Fame driver can converse with medical staff, family members, and John Force Racing president Robert Hight, who flew in this week, is an encouraging sign,” the team said in a Facebook post. “However, there have also been instances where

The team says that Force has been able to start walking with the help of medical staff members.

Also noteworthy was the fact that the 75-year-old grandfather of five has regained his equilibrium to the point that he has been able to start walking with the assistance of medical staff members.

“According to family, the next step for the man whose career has spanned six decades likely will be a move to a long-term facility specializing in TBI and associated symptoms,” the team said. “A time frame for that move has not yet been determined.”