John Force Spotted in Video with Daughter as NHRA Return Seems Imminent

In a video that has sparked widespread excitement across the drag racing community, legendary NHRA racer John Force was seen alongside his daughter looking healthy. Force, a racer known for his remarkable 16 NHRA championships, has been out of the limelight following a shocking accident during the NHRA Virginia Nationals last June that resulted in him grappling with serious head injuries. This recent appearance suggests he is making strong progress in his recovery journey.

The incident in Virginia saw Force's Funny Car engine explode while he was accelerating to 302 mph, causing the vehicle to crash into a concrete wall. This severe accident left him with traumatic brain injuries and a fractured sternum, forcing him to be sent to a hospital in Virginia.

Following this, he was transferred to the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix for intensive rehabilitation spanning 30 days, a period which marked the beginning of his recovery process focused on speech, occupational, and physical therapies to address lingering cognitive and short-term memory issues.

Throughout this arduous journey, John Force's recovery story has been tightly intertwined with the unyielding support of his family. His daughters, Courtney, Brittany, Adria, and Ashley Hood have been a vital part of his rehabilitation, offering constant updates to fans.

Race car drivers Brittany Force (L) and John Force arrive at the Yahoo! Sports Presents A Day Of Champions event at the Sports Museum of Los Angeles on November 6, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.... Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Courtney recently shared a moment from their Summer retreat:

"Enjoyed the time we had in Tahoe this summer. It was filled with long walks, time with family, farmers market, beach days, and ice cream dates with the girls. Cherishing every moment."

Despite the injury, John Force's standing within NHRA remains unshakeable, with an awe-inspiring record of 157 Funny Car event wins marking his illustrious career. Though ranked fifth in the 2024 NHRA Funny Car standings, his absence from the track has been felt.

To make things worse, his temporary replacement Jack Beckman, a former world champion in the NHRA Funny Car category, saw his own health challenges recently. Beckman had to withdraw from the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals due to vertigo-like symptoms.

"Vertigo is nothing to take lightly, and a night in the hospital stunk, but Christine and I are on a plane getting ready to head home, put this behind me, and focus on Vegas...and our next win!" he said.

Brittany has admitted that a return to NHRA could be on the cards, albeit maybe not in a racing capacity.

"We're pushing for it if he's ready," she said.

John Force's career achievements and contributions to the sport extend beyond just his racing. As the head of John Force Racing, a team with 22 championships to its name, he has contributed significantly to the sport, even advocating for enhanced safety measures after the tragic death of fellow racer Scott Kalitta. His work led to important safety developments, such as the sensor for engine backfires and the forward application handbrake.

Offering their support, followers and fans of Brittany and her father commented on her video.

"Great to see your dad. The fans miss him tremendously," one said.

Another added: "I just want you to know that you your dad and all your family are loved by yours truly I got a picture with your dad at Indy Nationals in 1995 and my nephew was there with me and it was the first NHRA national event he had been to and we got our pictures taken in front of your dad's funny car on memories of your papa." [sic]

A third thanked her for the video of her father: "Thank you for showing us your dad. We all are praying for him."

We're all hoping he continues to make a swift and full recovery.