The Pigeon Forge Police Department reported that the man was riding a scooter along the Parkway when he collided with an open automobile door.
Drag Racing Icon According to a statement from his race team, John Force opened his eyes for the first time on Friday since his high-speed incident at the NHRA Virginia Nationals last weekend.
Last Wednesday, Force, a 16-time NHRA champion, was admitted to a Richmond-area hospital’s neuro critical care unit after failing to respond consistently to doctors’ commands. Force was now able to speak his name and give a thumbs up sign when prompted after five days of therapy for a Traumatic Brain Injury, according to a statement from John Force Racing issued Sunday morning.
Along with daily improvements, family members report that Force has displayed symptoms of agitation and bewilderment, requiring restraint on few times when attempting to get out of bed.
“Despite the encouraging progress, the 157-time tour winner still faces a long and tough recovery and will be in neuro critical care for the foreseeable future, with visitation restricted to immediate family members only,” the team statement read.
Force, 75, won his heat race on June 23 at Virginia Motorsports Park with a 302 mph lap, but his engine exploded in a tremendous explosion immediately after crossing the finish line. The automobile crashed into both side walls, but Force managed to flee the flaming wreckage.
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