Racing legend and NHRA Funny Car driver John Force made his return to the drag racing scene at I see Performance Nationals, held at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. During the event, Force provided an update on his recovery from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a crash in June 2024 and announced new sponsorship deals for his team.

On June 23, 2024, Force was involved in a serious crash at the NHRA Virginia Nationals. His engine exploded during the race, causing him to crash into a concrete barrier at speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour. The incident resulted in the force suffering a traumatic brain injury, a fractured sternum and an injury to his right wrist.

While speaking to the media in Las Vegas, The force explained:

“I will be a spectator for a while. This is what I have to do to get well. I was hit in the head – not just once…many times. And everything was built.

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m a spectator, like you. So let’s have some fun today.”

The road to recovery was arduous. Following the accident, Force was rushed to a hospital in Virginia. He spent over two weeks in intensive care, initially in the trauma intensive care unit, then moved to the neurotherapy intensive care unit as his condition began to improve. He underwent intensive rehabilitation, first at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, to address cognitive and physical challenges, before returning to California for outpatient therapy.

Throughout this difficult time, Force’s family rallied around him. His daughters, especially Courtney Force Rahal and Brittany Force, along with his wife Laurie, have been unwavering in their support.

At the NHRA event in Las Vegas, Force also announced new business developments for John Force Racing. The team has secured sponsorship deals that extend to 2025 and beyond.

“(PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant) just put me on a four-year program, so I’m excited about that. And Cornwell Tools signed up (the Austin funny car champion-in-waiting) Prock. They bought (sponsorship) that car. So I’m back in business.”

For Force, returning to the racing environment – ​​albeit in a non-competitive role – was incredibly exciting. He added:

“It’s good to be here. The fans are incredible. I love the fans. I love the NHRA. I hadn’t seen my team in almost four or five months. It was good to be back. I feel good. I have a lot of work to do in the future My teams they kept it together so god bless them.

“God bless you all and God bless America.”

John Force’s NHRA legacy is unmatched, with 157 event wins and 16 Funny Car World Championship titles since his career began in 1978.