75-year-old NHRA driver John Force alive and ‘awake’ after violent 300 mph crash

National Hot Rod Association driver John Force is currently “conscious and responsive” following his fiery crash in Petersburg, Virginia on Sunday, June 23, according to a post from the John Force Racing X account (formerly Twitter).

The accident occurred during the first round of the NHRA Virginia Nationals Funny Car eliminations at Virginia Motorsports Park. After the 75-year-old crossed the finish line with a 302.62 mph victory over Terry Haddock in 4,100 seconds, the engine of his Chevrolet Camaro exploded at the finish line. His car crossed the center line of the track and struck the left concrete barrier before being spun into the right barrier.

The NHRA medical team examined him at the race track and then he was flown by rescue helicopter to a “nearby medical center for further evaluation in the intensive care unit,” according to John Force Racing’s Sunday post on X.

On Monday evening, June 24, the account divided In a follow-up statement, it was said that he remained in the hospital’s intensive care unit on Monday.

“Attending physicians have intentionally taken a slow approach to assessing the extent of the Hall of Fame owner and driver’s injuries due to the intensity of the impact. Medical personnel will not provide a treatment and recovery timeline until a full examination is completed,” the statement said.

In addition, “Force’s condition will be disclosed at the discretion of medical personnel.”

His wife Laurie and their daughters Brittany, Adria, Ashley and Courtney are in the hospital.

After the accident, Force’s teammate Austin Prock, who won the Funny Car class, said in the winners’ circle that the trophy “goes straight to the hospital to John Force,” according to the Associated Press.

“It’s just tough to see someone go through something like that, especially when it’s someone you really care about. But I know he’ll come back. We’re racers and we have to flip the switch. I know John wanted us to be out here doing our laps and I’m glad we did our job,” said 28-year-old Prock.

“We’re thinking of our buddy John Force and praying for him. He’s a tough guy,” said former NASCAR star Tony Stewart, according to AP.

“I hope John is OK, more than anything. It’s awful to see him go through this. Pray for him. He’s a legend of the sport, the GOAT. The car looked pretty burned,” Funny Car champion Matt Hagan said, according to Autoweek.

“We love what we do, but we’re all thinking about John right now,” added Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier Shawn Langdon, according to Autoweek.

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Before his crash on Sunday, Force earned his 157th NHRA victory – and second of the season – at the NHRA New England Nationals in New Hampshire.