John Force Gives Recovery Update at NHRA Return: ‘Got Hit in the Head a Lot of Times’
May 29, 2025 — NHRA News Desk
EPPING, N.H. — Drag racing legend John Force, one of the most iconic figures in motorsports history, made an emotional and candid return to the NHRA scene this weekend, providing fans and media with a deeply personal update on his ongoing recovery from injuries sustained in recent seasons. The 75-year-old 16-time Funny Car champion, known for his fiery competitiveness and larger-than-life personality, didn’t shy away from discussing the toll that decades of high-speed crashes and relentless racing have taken on his body — and mind.
“I got hit in the head a lot of times,” Force said with a half-smile durin a press conference at the NHRA New England Nationals in Epping. “More than I can count, honestly. And it’s catching up with me. But I’m still standing. I’m still here. And I still love this sport.”
A Racing Warrior’s Battle
Force’s career, which spans more than four decades, has been punctuated by incredible highs and devastating lows. From winning countless championships to enduring horrifying crashes, his resilience has become the stuff of legend. But in recent years, concerns about his health have grown more pressing.
After suffering a serious concussion and other injuries in a high-speed crash in 2022, followed by lingering neurological symptoms throughout 2023 and 2024, Force gradually stepped back from full-time racing duties. Fans and fellow drivers expressed concern as Force’s public appearances became sporadic, and questions about his long-term well-being began to circulate.
At his first return to the NHRA pit area in months, Force was reflective and honest.
“I’ve been seeing doctors, doing the therapies, trying to get my balance and my brain right again,” he shared. “Some days are better than others. But I’m a fighter — always have been.”
Family, Fans, and Legacy
Flanked by his daughters, including Top Fuel star Brittany Force, and his wife Laurie, Force emphasized the role that family support has played in his recovery. He grew visibly emotional when thanking fans for their loyalty and well-wishes.
“Y’all have no idea how much your letters, your prayers, and just seeing your signs at the tracks have meant to me,” he said, his voice cracking. “I owe my life to this sport and to the people in it.”
Force also addressed the uncertain future of his driving career. While he has not ruled out a return to the cockpit, he acknowledged that the days of chasing championships may be behind him.
“I still hop in a car every now and then, do a burnout or a test pass,” he grinned. “But my body doesn’t recover like it used to. My mind’s not as sharp some days. I’ve got to be real about that. Safety comes first — for me and for everyone out here.”
The State of John Force Racing
Despite his own health struggles, Force continues to be the driving force behind John Force Racing, which remains a major powerhouse in the NHRA. With Brittany Force continuing to contend in Top Fuel and daughter Courtney occasionally returning for media events, the Force legacy is far from fading.
John confirmed that the team has been focusing on expanding its operations, bringing in new talent, and investing in the future of the sport.
“We’ve got young guns coming up, new crew chiefs, and I’m mentoring some of the kids. That’s what gives me hope — the next generation. I’m not done contributing, even if I’m not behind the wheel every weekend.”
NHRA’s Response
NHRA officials welcomed Force with open arms and issued a statement praising his courage and transparency.
“John Force is more than a champion — he’s a cornerstone of drag racing history,” the statement read. “We’re inspired by his journey and honored to see him back in the paddock where he belongs.”
Fans React
News of Force’s return and recovery update spread quickly across social media, with fans pouring out support and sharing memories of watching him dominate drag strips from Pomona to Gainesville.
“He’s our hero,” said longtime fan Rick Harmon from Massachusetts. “Just seeing him walk down the staging lanes again was like watching Babe Ruth step into a dugout. There’ll never be another John Force.”
Looking Forward
While it remains unclear whether John Force will race competitively again, his presence at the NHRA New England Nationals made one thing clear: his impact on the sport, and his will to keep fighting, are as strong as ever.
“I’m not ready to say goodbye,” Force told reporters. “Maybe I’ll race again. Maybe I won’t. But I’ll be here. As long as I can breathe Nitro, I’ll be here.”
For a sport built on speed, adrenaline, and courage, few stories embody those values more than John Force’s — a warrior still standing, still smiling, and
still fighting to finish his race, one day at a time.
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