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Legendary Racer John Force Hospitalized After Fiery Crash at NHRA Virginia Nationals
John Force, the 75-year-old racing legend, was hospitalized after a fiery crash during the NHRA Virginia Nationals on Sunday. The incident occurred during the first round of Funny Car eliminations, when Force's engine exploded, causing his car to make multiple impacts with the outside retaining walls. According to a statement from John Force Racing, Force was extricated from his car and hospitalized for "further evaluation" in an intensive care unit at a nearby medical center.
The statement said that Force was "injured" in the crash, but did not specify his injuries other than saying he was conscious and communicating with NHRA safety team members after the crash. This is not the first brutal wreck Force has been involved in during his career. In 2007, Force suffered a broken ankle and dislocated wrist, among other injuries, during the Fall Nationals in Ennis, Texas.
Why it Matters : John Force is the most successful racer in NHRA history, with 16 Funny Car titles and 157 NHRA race wins throughout his illustrious career. His eventual succession will be a critical moment for the sport, and his hospitalization has sent shockwaves through the racing community. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in professional drag racing and the importance of safety measures in the sport.
Force began his professional drag racing career in 1978 and has been a dominant force in the sport ever since. His three daughters have all driven at the top levels in NHRA, with Ashley Force Hood and Courtney Force having since retired from driving, while Brittany Force drives a Top Fuel dragster for her father's team.
Key Takeaways :
- John Force, 75, was hospitalized after a fiery crash during the NHRA Virginia Nationals on Sunday.
- The crash occurred during the first round of Funny Car eliminations, when Force's engine exploded, causing his car to make multiple impacts with the outside retaining walls.
- Force was extricated from his car and hospitalized for "further evaluation" in an intensive care unit at a nearby medical center.
- This is not the first brutal wreck Force has been involved in during his career, having suffered a broken ankle and dislocated wrist in 2007.
- John Force is the most successful racer in NHRA history, with 16 Funny Car titles and 157 NHRA race wins throughout his illustrious career.