John Force Emotionally Reflects On Richmond Return After Horrific NHRA Crash
John Force has emotionally reflected on his horrific crash during the Virginia Nationals weekend in 2024, as he returned to Richmond for the first time since.
"To come back to Richmond where I was... I thought it was over. I was in bad shape, and I've seen the videos and I don't want to see them no more," the 16-time NHRA champion explained. "It makes me sick to see it because the good Lord took care of me. But let me tell you, I made it.
"But I made it because of the fans. I made it because of how their love for me and they prayed for me and called me and came to the hospital, and I did a big thank you to the VCU and the lady, Jillian, you know, that put me back together.
"It was good to be back in Richmond. I'm a lucky man and I thank the good Lord for that."
John Force looks on during the 47th Annual Carquest Auto Parts Winternationals at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona,Ca. on February 07 2009.
John Force looks on during the 47th Annual Carquest Auto Parts Winternationals at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona,Ca. on February 07 2009.Austin Prock clinched the victory of the Richmond Funny Car event in 2025 after an intense final against Jack Beckman. Speaking to the media following the race, he shared:
"We went through hell last year. You know, there was a lot of uncertainty and we had no idea which way all of these events were going to go. We're so blessed to have him back out at the racetrack healthy, and to win back-to-back for him - this trophy's definitely going to him as well.
"We battled through adversity last year here racing for him. This year obviously we wanted to win for him but we battled a lot of tough track conditions. A lot of people were struggling here and my team just kept their head to the grindstone and got the job done.
"I had a feeling we were going to come in here and prove why we're the points leaders and we did exactly that. We raced smart, we raced competitively and I finally got my stuff together behind the wheel. So I'm really proud of this win. I can't wait to get back and see my family, see John Force and celebrate big tonight."
Force is yet to return to the cockpit following the crash which left him with a traumatic brain injury. He gave an update on his recovery in December 2024.
"I'm still going to therapy every week and working as hard as I can to get back out there with the sponsors and the fans in a sport I love and I miss," he explained.
"I've still got a lot of things I want to do, so I don't want anybody thinking they've seen the last of John Force. We'll have a lot more to talk about after the holidays."
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