While competing in a drag race in Virginia on Sunday, the legendary National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) driver John Force was involved in a terrible accident, causing concern for the aging racer.
While Force was driving his Funny Car down the track, as he had done thousands of times before, his engine exploded, causing him to veer across the centerline and into the wall, according to a report by Fox News.
This was the first time that Force had ever experienced such an accident. It was his vehicle that crossed the line once more and collided with the guard wall once more.
A statement regarding the incident was issued by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
"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 organization said.
"Force was alert and was examined onsite by the NHRA Medical Team before being transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation."
Additionally, Force’s two-time Top Fuel champion daughter, Brittany Force, said that her dad would be OK: “My dad’s going to be all right. I was in the ambulance with him, holding his hand. And he’s one of the toughest people I know. So he’ll bounce back like he always does.”
BREAKING NOW: ⚠️ Legendary NHRA champion John Force suffers HORRIFIC CRASH while qualifying in Virginia..
DEVELOPING..
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) June 23, 2024
Force, who is 75 years old, has won the National Hot Rod Association championship 16 times and has won the championship as the owner of a racing team 22 times. While he was a driver, he won ten consecutive championships from 1993 to 2002.
It was just in April of this year that Force triumphed taking the trophy in the 156th race of his career.
"I’m just facing the truth in life, that, you know, time’s running out, and I’m trying to hang on," Force said of his career at the time. "This morning, I was talking about, ‘You know, maybe this is it, maybe I should just walk out the gate and go to the casino.’
"And then all of sudden you win and your weight and your personality just changes. Things went right, and I got the win, so I’m excited."
