National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) legend John Force has been moved out of intensive care as he recovers from severe injuries sustained in a terrible incident last month, his team announced.
According to John Force Racing, the Funny Car driver has been moved from neuro-intensive care to acute neuro care, but he is still struggling with the effects of his traumatic brain injury sustained during the race. Nevertheless, the team maintained confidence.
“Although Force is still dealing with cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI, the fact that the Hall of Famer 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. “However, there have also been periods of confusion, which doctors say require time and patience to treat.
“Also noteworthy was the fact that the 75-year-old grandfather of five regained his equilibrium to the point that he was able to start walking with the assistance of medical staff members.”
The team said the next step would be moving to a facility that specializes in treating traumatic brain injuries. But a time frame has not yet been determined.
Force was in his Funny Car on track at the Virginia Nationals when his engine exploded, causing him to veer across the centerline and into the wall. His vehicle crossed back over the line and hit the guard wall again.
The team stated that his car experienced an engine explosion.
