Legendary Drag Racer Hospitalized After Crash

One of the most legendary drag racers in the history of the NHRA had a horrifying accident on Sunday afternoon.

John Force, 75, had just been clocked at an astounding 302.62 mph run in a win against Terry Haddock when his engine exploded.

The force of the explosion tossed the car across the track into the wall, which happened to hit on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Force was rushed to the hospital after safety crews put out the fire and removed him from the vehicle.

Scary Moments

If you saw the race, the explosion was spectacular, but not in a good way.

Somehow, Force seemed okay, emerging from the car and being examined by rescue workers onsite.

He was completely alert and spoke with the safety team before being transported.

His teammate, Austin Prock, was clearly rattled by the incident, stating, “He’s one tough son of a bitch, I know that. He’ll be back.

“It’s just tough to see somebody go through that. I hope he’s all right. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I know he’ll be back.”

Force’s two-time Top Fuel champion daughter Brittany Force, added, "My dad’s going to be all right. I was in the ambulance with him, holding his hand. And he’s one of the toughest people I know. So he’ll bounce back, like he always does.

“It’s something that’s tough. We know that’s a part of the drill. That’s how this sport goes. I wouldn’t be his daughter if I wasn’t back up here in that car, trying to win this thing with this team for him.”

If Force is able to recover and race again, I doubt it would surprise anyone who knows him.

I have been watching that man race for decades. He is a true legend of the sport, having won more than 300 races in his career.

Get well soon, John.