Drag Racing Legend John Force's Near-Death Experience After Engine Failure At 500 KMH

Alex Harrington | Jun 25, 2024

Jun 8, 2024; Bristol, TN, USA; NHRA funny car driver John Force during qualifying for the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In a harrowing turn of events at a recent National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) race in Virginia, drag racing veteran John Force was rushed to a nearby hospital after his car crashed at speeds approaching 487.02 km/h. Force, a prominent figure in drag racing, encountered a catastrophic engine failure just as he crossed the finish line, leading to his vehicle careening uncontrollably, striking both walls of the racetrack before coming to a halt in the center.

At the age of 75, Force has built an iconic career with a recent win marking his 157th NHRA race victory. This crash, occurring just as he is approaching the end of his nearly five-decade-long racing career, has left the racing community in shock. At the scene, Force was conscious and communicative with the rescue team. He was immediately transported to intensive care for a thorough evaluation, where he remains under careful monitoring.

According to his daughter, Brittany Force, who was beside him throughout the ordeal and later faced the challenge of racing herself, her father is a fighter. "My dad's going to be all right—I was in the ambulance with him, holding his hand," she affirmed. "He's one of the toughest people I know, so he'll bounce back like he always does." Despite the familial tie and emotional strain, Brittany returned to race, driven by a determination that she characterized as a testament to her father's resilience and the harsh realities of their profession.

Teammate and protégé Austin Prock, who won the race and dedicated his victory to Force, echoed the sentiment of resilience, describing Force as "one tough son of a bitch." Prock's victory carried added weight under the circumstances. "The trophy is going straight to the hospital to John Force," he declared, emphasizing the solidarity and support pervading John Force Racing in the wake of the accident.

John Force is no stranger to severe crashes. A significant accident in 2007 resulted in life-threatening injuries that required months of recovery. This history makes the recent incident particularly unsettling for his family and team. Prock acknowledged the personal impact, saying, "It's just tough to see somebody go through that, especially when it's somebody you really care about, but I know he'll be back."

Amid the urgency and alarm that such accidents inspire, the responses from Force’s family and team highlight a poignant blend of personal strength and professional dedication. Brittany's resolve to race, reflecting on the ordeal, noted, "It's something that is tough. We know that's a part of the drill. That's how this sport goes. I wouldn't be his daughter if I wasn't back up here in that car, trying to win this thing with this team for him."