NHRA drag racing legend John Force has left the hospital where he was recovering from a severe head injury suffered in a fiery crash at the Virginia Nationals a month ago.
The 75-year-old was discharged from Barrow Neurological Institute, as confirmed by a statement from John Force Racing on Tuesday.
“He’s finally able to sleep in his bed,” said Ashley Hood, one of Force’s daughters, in the statement.
Force, a 16-time Funny Car champion, sustained a traumatic brain injury and other injuries including a fractured sternum during the crash in June. His car experienced an engine failure at the finish line, causing it to veer across the track and collide with both concrete guard walls.
Force will continue his rehabilitation in California as an outpatient, working with therapists who specialize in traumatic brain injuries.
In 2007, at the age of 58, Force endured another serious racing accident in Ennis, Texas. Despite these challenges, he has remained competitive at the highest level, securing his second win of the season and his record-breaking 157th NHRA victory in New Hampshire.
Force’s daughter Brittany is also a notable figure in the sport, having achieved two world championships.
