John Force is traveling at a steady pace on the long road to recovery. 

In a statement issued by John Force Racing on July 5, 2024, the 17-time Funny Car champion continues his recovery from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as a fractured sternum and a right wrist injury. These injuries were sustained when the engine in his PEAK Chevrolet Camaro exploded and sent Force into the concrete guard wall at over 300 miles per hour on June 23, 2024, while racing at the NHRA Virginia Nationals outside of Richmond, Va. 

Force was first admitted to a was moved from a neuro-intensive care unit and into an acute neuro care at the hospital. Though he is improving, the road ahead promises to be a long and difficult one. 

Force still deals with cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI, but his ability to converse with medical staff, family members, and John Force Racing president Robert Hight is encouraging. Hight, who has been dealing with medical issues of his own, flew in this week to visit. The team reported there have also been periods of confusion, which doctors say require time and patience to treat.

Another encouraging sign for the 75-year-old drag racer is the fact he has regained his equilibrium to the point that he was able to start walking with the assistance of medical staff members. 

The next step for Force is likely a move to a long-term facility specializing in TBI and associated symptoms. A time frame for that move has not yet been determined.