NHRA legend John Force walking with assistance after Traumatic Brain Injury from crash

Drag racing icon John Force is walking with assistance less than two weeks after he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a high-speed crash at the NHRA Virginia Nationals in late June.

John Force Racing announced Friday that Force has been moved from intensive care to acute neurology care at a Virginia hospital as he continues to show "encouraging signs" in his treatment. His team said that Force has been able to "converse" with medical staff, friends and family members and is back on his feet.

"The 75-year-old grandfather of five has regained his equilibrium to the point that he has been able to start walking with the assistance of medical staff members," John Force Racing said in a statement.

Force, a 16-time NHRA champion, was injured in a fiery crash on June 23 at Virginia Motorsports Park. He had just won his heat with a 302 mph run when his engine exploded, forcing his Funny Car to crash into a concrete wall at high speeds. He was able to exit the wreckage, but he did not escape without injury. Force suffered a TBI and fractured sternum, among other injuries, and was airlifted to a Virginia hospital, where he remains.

Despite Force's "positive response" to treatment, doctors said the Hall of Famer has "a long and difficult" recovery ahead. His team said Force is "dealing with cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI" and suffers "periods of confusion."

"The next step for the man whose career has spanned six decades likely will be a move to a long-term facility specializing in TBI and associated symptoms. A time frame for that move has not yet been determined," the statement reads.

Force's daughter Courtney, a former NHRA Funny Car driver, expressed her gratitude for all the support her family has received amid Force's recovery. "Thank you everyone for your prayers and uplifting words, it really means everything to us and the entire JFR fam," she wrote on social media.

Force has won a total of 157 Funny Car events during his legendary racing career, which began in 1978. He currently ranks fourth in the 2024 NHRA Funny Car standings through 10 of 21 events this season. 

Contributing: Steve Gardner