Home / Sports / NHRA Legend John Force Hangs Up Helmet
NHRA Legend John Force Hangs Up Helmet
22 Nov
Summary
- Force recently retired due to a brain injury sustained in a crash.
- He previously vowed never to drive a NASCAR "tin can."
- Force achieved 157 wins and 16 championships in his career.
NHRA icon John Force has officially retired from racing, concluding a storied career marked by numerous victories and championships. This decision follows a severe brain injury he suffered in a crash at Virginia Motorsports Park in June 2024, leading to ongoing cognitive challenges. Force's recovery has included a month-long stay at the Barrow Neurological Institute and ongoing outpatient therapy.
Throughout his career, Force maintained a public stance against driving in NASCAR, famously vowing he "wouldn't drive a tin can if they gave me one." Despite this, he had brief interactions with the sport, including attending driving school and participating in exhibition races. His remarkable achievements include 157 Funny Car wins and 16 championships, with his team securing 24 NHRA world titles.
Force's retirement comes as his daughter Brittany concludes her final season. He expressed that the time felt right to step away, especially given his recovery needs and desire to avoid further injury. He will continue with speech therapy and occupational/physical therapy to address issues like short-term memory loss.
