John Force violent crash

[Steve Carlton]

https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a61309140/drag-racing-legend-john-force-remains-hospitalized-after-fiery-crash/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_rdt&utm_medium=email&date=062524&utm_campaign=nl35833441&GID=1f8cc5d2e32c2e61b0879b1ebb527eb9d28b800c9adb69 631a0f542db63939b5&utm_term=TEST-%20NEW%20TEST%20-%20Sending%20List%20-%20AM%20180D%20Clicks%2C%20NON%20AM%2090D%20Opens% 2C%20Both%20Subbed%20Last%2030D

[JackDidley]

I just copied this from another forum.

They just moved him into the Neuro Intensive Care unit about 2 hours ago to focus on the head trauma. This is the primary concern i was told that he hit so hard that his head moved around the helmet and actually chipped some of his teeth. Brittany will not race this weekend and will stay back with her Dad.

[greglepore]

Yeah, that was my concern as well. TBI. And the reason for the hush.

[rfuerst911sc]

Yeah this article also . Severe head injury never good . Best wishes for recovery .


https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nhra/a61441611/john-force-suffered-head-injury-in-crash/

[URY914]

This is what I've been thinking all along. His brain banging around in his skull.

[red 928]

Speculation, but I'm thinking they
have him in an induced coma for the time
being.

When I met him he wasn't the crazy guy you see in the interviews.
I'm thinking he will be OK but he's still in my prayers.

[unclebilly]

Originally Posted by red 928

Speculation, but I'm thinking they
have him in an induced coma for the time
being.

When I met him he wasn't the crazy guy you see in the interviews.
I'm thinking he will be OK but he's still in my prayers.

My guess as well, wrt the induced coma until the swelling goes down. I hope he’s ok, he’s a legend.

[pavulon]

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/traumatic-brain-injury

[rfuerst911sc]

Slow progress but encouraging .

https://www.nhra.com/news/2024/john-force-moving-forward-recovery-process

[JackDidley]

^^^^^^^^Thanks for posting that. I copied part of it :


Early in the treatment process of his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), he failed to follow the series of commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of his care providers and move his extremities. Occasionally, he was able to respond with slight movements, but it wasn’t until he moved from trauma intensive care unit to neuro intensive care unit on Wednesday that he began to gain some momentum.

He became more consistent responding to commands and finally opened his eyes on day five. Following days of failed attempts, his wife and daughters were overcome with emotion when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when prompted, gave a thumbs up.

The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress. He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull. However, he recognized his daughters, wife, Laurie, and called them each by name. And spoke the words, “I love you.” This, along with continued daily progress has uplifted their spirits.t .

[Superman]

That is really good news. One of the most beloved persons i motor sports history, I think. What a character!

Out of a hundred people, sometimes you can pick one and say "if all these people were involved in the same accident and only one survived, it would be this guy."

[rfuerst911sc]

In my opinion John Force IS drag racing and has been for 30 years . Tough as nails and nuts 😀 . I gotta think he talks in his sleep ! He's an energetic chatter box and a fan favorite . I don't care if he ever races again , I hope he can have a quality of life he deserves .

[greglepore]

Yes. He has his cognition, now the question is whether his force of personality will allow him to live within what are likely to be his restrictions.
When was the last time a guy of 75 was capable of winning a pinnacle motorsports event of any kind? I don't follow NHRA, but he's a true legend of sport, of any kind.

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by greglepore

Yes. He has his cognition, now the question is whether his force of personality will allow him to live within what are likely to be his restrictions.
When was the last time a guy of 75 was capable of winning a pinnacle motorsports event of any kind? I don't follow NHRA, but he's a true legend of sport, of any kind.

75 years old and already won 2 events this year. At this point I'd be thrilled to see him have a happy and health retirement.

[unclebilly]

I’m hoping for a full recovery. Brain injuries are complicated. A friend of mine is still out of a race car from a concussion 3 years ago.

[JackDidley]

Some good news. Not great but pretty good. From the NHRA site :


Less than two weeks after 16-time NHRA Funny Car world champion John Force suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), among other injuries that included a fractured sternum and a right wrist injury, following an engine explosion that sent his Funny Car into a concrete guard wall at over 300 miles per hour, doctors acknowledged his positive response to treatment. Force has moved out of neuro-intensive care and into acute neuro care at the hospital where he was transported by air ambulance on June 23.

The latest upgrade was welcomed by Force family members who have maintained a presence at the hospital since the NHRA icon’s arrival, but medical professionals emphasized once again that the journey ahead will be a long and difficult one.

Although Force is still dealing with cognitive and behavioral symptoms from his TBI, the fact that the Hall of Fame driver can converse with medical staff, family members, and John Force Racing president Robert Hight, who flew in this week, is an encouraging sign. However, there have also been periods of confusion, which doctors say require time and patience to treat.

Also noteworthy was the fact that 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.

According to family, 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.

[unclebilly]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

Some good news. Not great but pretty good. From the NHRA site :

…

According to family, 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 .

I interpret this as a move to long term care, in other words a nursing home that specializes in brain injury patients. This is similar to the facility my father is at which specializes in dementia. There are some residents there that appear to be in their 40s or 50s. I hope I am wrong but this means John Force’s racing career is finished.

[red 928]

Originally Posted by unclebilly

I hope I am wrong but this means John Force’s racing career is finished.

Not wrong, it stopped being about racing and
is more of a quality of life thing now.
Here's hoping it's a good, long life.

[greglepore]

Of course his racing career is finished. Simon Pagenaud was half his age, had a less severe impact, and has yet to get back in the cockpit.
I'm just happy that he's not Michael Schumacher.
Must be hard as hell on Graham to get in the car every weekend with that on his mind.

[stevej37]

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