NHRA drag racing legend John Force was injured in a fiery crash Sunday during the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park. Force was alert and talking to safety officials following a 300 mph crash that saw Force’s Funny Car erupt in flames. 

John Force Racing released a statement Sunday evening indicating that the 75-year old Hall of Fame driver was “conscious and talking to NHRA Safety Safari personnel immediately following the crash.” 

pic.twitter.com/Wa6vUjdK0l

— John Force Racing (@JFR_Racing) June 24, 2024

Force was moved to a nearby medical center for further evaluation and care in the ICU unit. 

The crash occurred during the first round of Funny Car eliminations Sunday. Force’s engine exploded as he crossed the finish line and his car lost control before hitting the opposite lane's guardrail. Force registered a time of 4.100 seconds, at 302.62 mph.

Legendary #NHRA racer John Force was involved in a major crash at the #VirginiaNHRANationals qualifying. It was his worse during Force’s great career. Reports say he was taken to the hospital for observation. This from #FS1 pic.twitter.com/Qhm1uLNQRe

— 🎥~TennesseeSportsNet~🎥 (@TSNSports) June 23, 2024

John Force Racing's Austin Prock won the Virginia Nationals Funny Car finals following the crash on Sunday and said in victory lane, "The trophy is going straight to the hospital to John Force." 

Three weeks ago, Force won his 157th race at New Hampshire, his second win of the season. The 16-time NHRA champ is currently second in the NHRA Funny Car point standings behind Prock.