Drag Racing Legend John Force Suffers Horrific Crash

NHRA icon John Force narrowly escaped serious injury after his Funny Car exploded and crashed at a drag race in Virginia, leaving him with minor injuries.

National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) legend John Force was involved in a harrowing incident on Sunday at a drag race in Virginia, when his engine exploded, causing him to veer off the track and into the wall.

Drag Racing Legend John Force Suffers Horrific Crash

Force was behind the wheel of his Funny Car, a type of drag racing vehicle known for its high speeds and extreme horsepower, when the incident occurred. As he sped down the track, the engine suddenly exploded, sending shrapnel flying and causing the car to veer across the centerline.

The out-of-control Funny Car then slammed into the guard wall on the opposite side of the track before crossing back over and hitting the wall again. Force was able to remain alert and was examined by the NHRA Medical Team before being transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Drag Racing Legend John Force Suffers Horrific Crash

The NHRA released a statement confirming the incident: "During the first round of Funny Car eliminations at the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals on Sunday at Virginia Motorsports Park, John Force’s Funny Car suffered an engine explosion at the finish line and then crossed the centerline, striking both guard walls before coming to a stop."

Force is a 16-time NHRA champion and a 22-time champion as a racing team owner. He has won 156 races in his illustrious career, including 10 straight titles as a driver from 1993 to 2002.

Drag Racing Legend John Force Suffers Horrific Crash

The 75-year-old racing legend has been contemplating retirement in recent years, but his passion for the sport has kept him going. In April, he won his 156th race and admitted that he was facing the realities of time running out.

"I’m just facing the truth in life, that, you know, time’s running out, and I’m trying to hang on," Force said at the time. "This morning, I was talking about, ‘You know, maybe this is it, maybe I should just walk out the gate and go to the casino.’"

"And then all of sudden you win and your weight and your personality just changes. Things went right, and I got the win, so I’m excited."

Following the crash, race fans took to social media to offer their prayers and support for Force. The NHRA also released a statement wishing Force a speedy recovery.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.