National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) legend John Force survived a horrific incident at a drag race in Virginia on Sunday. Force's Funny Car exploded, causing him to crash into the wall and suffer injuries.
National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) legend John Force escaped serious injury after his Funny Car exploded in a harrowing incident at a drag race in Virginia on Sunday.
Force was making a pass down the track during the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals when his engine catastrophically failed at the finish line. The force of the explosion sent his car veering across the track and into the wall on the driver's side. The vehicle then crossed back over the center line and impacted the opposite wall, coming to a violent stop.
NHRA Legend John Force Involved in Horrific Drag Race Incident
Safety crews rushed to the scene and extracted the 75-year-old Force from the mangled wreckage. He was alert and conscious, but was transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation. The NHRA later issued a statement confirming that Force had suffered injuries in the accident, but did not provide details on the severity of those injuries.
"During the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals on Sunday at Virginia Motorsports Park, John Force's Funny Car suffered an engine explosion at the finish line and then crossed the centerline, striking both guard walls before coming to a stop," the NHRA said. "Force was alert and was examined onsite by the NHRA Medical Team before being transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation."
NHRA Legend John Force Involved in Horrific Drag Race Incident
Force is one of the most successful drivers in NHRA history, with 16 championships to his name. He is also a 22-time champion as a racing team owner. Force has won 156 races in his illustrious career, including 10 straight titles from 1993 to 2002. He won his most recent race in April of this year.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the NHRA community. Race fans and fellow drivers took to social media to offer prayers and support for Force.
NHRA Legend John Force Involved in Horrific Drag Race Incident
"Praying for the legend. Stay strong @JohnForceRacing," tweeted fellow NHRA driver Leah Pruett.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with John Force. We're hoping for a speedy recovery," the NHRA tweeted.
Force's injuries are a reminder of the inherent dangers of drag racing. While safety measures have improved значительно over the years, accidents can still happen at any time. Force's experience serves as a reminder to all drivers to always exercise caution and respect the power of these machines.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
