Brittany Force will resume racing in her Top Fuel dragster this week at Seattle, marking her return to competition since her father John’s serious accident in Virginia last month.
John Force Racing announced this week that John Force, a 16-time NHRA champion, is “responding positively to treatment” for the traumatic brain injury he sustained on June 23. Brittany will participate in the Northwest Nationals near Seattle this weekend.
John Force’s accident occurred at the Virginia Nationals when his car experienced a catastrophic engine explosion at the finish line, resulting in multiple collisions with the track barriers. He was promptly taken to an intensive care facility in Virginia, with Brittany and their family by his side during treatment.
Subsequently, Force was transferred to a rehabilitation facility in California to continue his recovery.
“It has been an emotional roller coaster for our family since Richmond,” Brittany stated in a release. “But my dad has shown remarkable progress, and we are all incredibly proud of him.”
Brittany’s return to racing is pivotal as she aims to secure her spot in the NHRA’s Countdown to the Championship Playoffs. Currently, she holds a slim 50-point lead over her nearest competitor, Josh Hart.
Reflecting on the challenging period after her father’s accident, she shared ahead of her comeback:
“I’m grateful to be back at the track after these tough weeks. It’s been an emotional roller coaster for our family since Richmond, but my dad has made tremendous strides, and we’re all rooting for him. He’s now closer to home at a rehabilitation center.”