John Force “has begun to show signs of improvement, according to family members who have maintained a presence at the trauma hospital to which he was transported by air ambulance,” the National Hot Rod Association legend’s team stated in an replace on Sunday.
John Force Racing described the challenges the motive force has confronted within the days after he was concerned in a horrific crash on the Virginia Nationals final weekend.
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John Force watches Top Fuel qualifying throughout the NHRA Virginia Nationals on June 22, 2024, at Virginia Motorsports Park in North Dinwiddie, Virginia. (Will Lester/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
The team stated Force failed to adhere to instructions to open his eyes, squeeze the fingers of his care personnel and transfer his extremities early in his restoration course of from a traumatic mind harm (TBI). However, upon his transfer to the neuro intensive care unit, the team stated he “began to gain some momentum.”
Force began to reply to instructions extra persistently and opened his eyes on his fifth day within the hospital. He was in a position to whisper his title and give a thumbs up.
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John Force on the NHRA Virginia Nationals on June 23, 2024. Seconds later, Force would expertise a large explosion and crash and was taken to a neighborhood medical facility for therapy. (Will Lester/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
“The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress,” the team added. “He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull. However, he recognized his daughters, wife, Laurie, and called them each by name. And spoke the words, ‘I love you.’ This, along with continued daily progress has uplifted their spirits.”
The team stated Force, 75, nonetheless faces a “long and difficult recovery ahead.”
“John’s family members extend their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals responsible for his well-being and recovery,” the team stated. “They deeply appreciate the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages, prayers, support, and concern from the entire automotive and racing industries. Thank you to sponsors, fans, and the media for respecting the privacy of the Force family and the John Force Racing team members.”
John Force seems to be down the monitor following the primary spherical of qualifying for the seventeenth Annual Toyota Nationals NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series occasion in Las Vegas. (David Allio/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Images)
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“Catastrophic engine failure” was stated to be the reason for Force’s Funny Car crash final weekend. The engine exploded and prompted Force to drive throughout the median of the monitor and into the wall. His automotive then veered again throughout the centerline and into the opposite wall.
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