Sixteen-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force has officially confirmed that he is retiring from professional racing at the age of 76, reports Baltimore Chronicle. His announcement follows a long period of rehabilitation after a severe traumatic brain injury sustained in a 300 mph crash during the 2024 Virginia Nationals in Richmond, which forced him to step away from driving and led to Jack Beckman replacing him in the John Force Racing PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet SS for the remainder of the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Force explained that despite his gradual return to the paddock, the consequences of the crash and ongoing medical supervision left him with no choice but to retire. In a video message, he noted that he has remained under the care of doctors for more than a year and admitted that returning to the driver’s seat no longer felt safe. He emphasized that head injuries remain a serious concern and that he does not intend to risk another impact while still recovering.
Announcing his decision on the same day his daughter Brittany Force revealed her own retirement, the legendary driver said the moment felt appropriate for both of them. He spoke about his growing family, mentioning that Courtney recently welcomed another daughter and that his grandchildren — Harlan, Tinley, Autumn, Jacob, and Noah — have become an important part of his life. He added that Brittany continues to set competitive records and remains in the fight for a strong championship result, which he views as another natural shift within the family’s racing legacy.
Reflecting on his long-standing philosophy that he would “stay in the car until the race car gets me,” Force acknowledged that the Richmond crash effectively removed him from the seat. He described the severity of the injury and said he considers himself fortunate to be walking and recovering, even if medical restrictions continue to guide his daily life.
Throughout more than three decades in NHRA competition, Force achieved 16 NHRA and one AHRA Funny Car championships and accumulated 157 career wins, cementing his status as one of the most dominant drag racers in history. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2008 and led John Force Racing as both a driver and team owner, helping develop generations of championship-level competitors.
Although he is stepping away from driving, Force stated that he will remain active at NHRA events and intends to focus on the growth and future of John Force Racing. He suggested that fans may still occasionally see him warming up a car or even performing a burnout, depending on the reaction from the crowd.
He concluded by saying that while ending his driving career is difficult, expanding his team and staying connected to the sport will remain his priority, emphasizing that he is officially done competing but not done contributing to NHRA.
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