NORWALK — After a long week of waiting and hoping, the John Force Racing Team announced positive news regarding the 16-time NHRA Funny Car world champion on Sunday, just before the elimination rounds of the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals.
Force was engaged in a tragic crash last weekend as his engine exploded at 300 mph while competing in the Play NHRA Virginia National. Force has grown “more consistent responding to commands and opened his eyes” since transitioning from the trauma intensive care unit to neurointensive care, according to the statement.
Force has recognized his wife, Laurie, and daughters, Adria, Ashley, Courtney, and Brittany, addressing each by name and saying, “I love you.” “He’s a pretty incredible person,” said fellow Funny Car driver Bob Tasca III, who has battled and shared memorable moments with Force throughout his career.
“I’m not sure I want to be out here without him. It does not need to be in the automobile. He is an inspiration to me and my family. “I just want him to improve.” Tasca defeated Ron Capps in the Funny Car final with a time of 3.908 seconds on Sunday.
John Force Racing said the 75-year-old Force initially couldn’t follow commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of care providers or move his extremities following the crash. After five days of heavy sedation, he began to gain momentum.
“The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress,” the statement said.
During the first round of Funny Car eliminations on June 23, Force’s car had a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line, with the vehicle going across the centerline and slamming into the left concrete guard wall, then careening back across into the right wall.
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