John Force Welcomes Famous Visitors And Works Through Rehab Wednesday

Drag racing legend John Force continued on the road to recovery Wednesday at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas.

Team publicist Dave Densmore said in a release posted on the NHRA website Wednesday evening that Force spent the day "napping, rehabbing, and taking numerous phone calls from racing stars in all forms of motorsports.”

Force was seriously injured in a wreck Sunday with fellow racing legend Kenny Bernstein at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex in Ennis, Tex.. Force went through six hours of reconstructive surgery Sunday evening on his feet, legs, and hands.

"He's basically trying to be John Force, but his body is telling him no at the moment," Densmore said. "Of course, he's wanting to do more than they're allowing him to do, and the fact he hasn't slept for more than an hour at a time since the accident isn't helping matters much. But they do have to monitor him very closely, take his blood pressure every hour, and keep him medicated to help with the pain.

"He's been a real treat to deal with, as you might imagine. He complains and grouses when he's going through the exercises they need him to do, and then he spends about twice as long apologizing to everyone. It's quite an ordeal. The good news is he's progressing nicely."

Force is still hoping he’ll be able to return to action for the Torco Racing Fuels NHRA Nationals Oct. 5-7 in Richmond, Va. but Densmore doesn’t expect that to happen. Densmore also said thoughts of Force leaving the hospital by Friday may have been premature.

"The medical staff is thinking Monday before they'll allow him to fly home," Densmore said. "That's just to fly in a plane. I doubt he'll drive again this year, but every time I tell him that he throws me out of his room."

Former Funny Car driver Raymond Beadle and former open wheel driver Johnny Rutherford visited with Force on Wednesday. Force also got a call from former Nextel Cup Series champion Darrell Waltrip.

"Waltrip told him the worst thing he did after his big wreck was to rush back to his car," Densmore said. "He told John straight out that if he had to do it again, he would have rehabbed completely before climbing back in a race car. Racing will always be there, but you only have one body. Beadle told him the same thing; so did Rutherford."

For more on Force's continued recovery visit this update page at the NHRA’s website or the John Force Racing website.

Shawn Courchesne, 8:04 p.m.

To watch a hospital room interview with Force from CBS 11 out of Dallas check out this link: Drag Racer John Force Talks About His Crash

To watch an interview with Force's drag racing daughter Ashley concerning the crash check out this video from CBS 11: Ashley Force Talks About Her Dad's Drag Race Crash

--- Thinking Back To An Eye-Opening Day With John Force

--- John Force Speaks; On The Road To Recovery In Dallas

--- John Force Sustains Serious Injuries In Crash At Texas Motorplex

--- John Force Undergoing Surgery At Baylor University Medical Center

--- John Force May Be Out Of The Hospital As Early As Friday

Comments

[Scott Bingham]

As a huge John Force fan, I hope he dose not rush back to the car too fast. If this happens I fear we as fans will be missing him alot longer.

[firstsuperspeedway.com]

Take your time Johnny! You can count on my prayers and support for your fast recovery. We'll be missing you for a long time on a race.

[BECKY COX]

TAKE YOUR TIME JOHN, YOUR FANS WILL BE HERE WHEN YOU GET BACK

[jay conway]

always a winner
now listen to the dr's this time they know more you
keep up the good work and thank you for the memories

[frank pluchunsky]

John, we come every year(since 88)to see our do his special thing on the track!!!!You never let us down. thank you, now rest friend and come beck to us when docs give a green light!

[Terry Hallick]

John,

My thoughts and prayers have been with you since I heard about your accident. I have been a fan for years and I know how stubhorn you can be so as much as I admire your desire to get back in the car, listen to the doctors. I've seen you live through other accidents and you have nothing to prove by getting back in until you are 100%.

Think back to the episode on A&E when you and Eric Medlen spent a day at the spa, and the benefit you got from the spa, you need to relax and get healthy.

[Frank Schreiner]

John; Your the master on the track and the master of the tree, don,t red light this one, wait for the green. Your fans will always be there for you no matter what. But god @#$*! get well soon.
Frank,Tracy,Ricky,Cody,and Brian Schreiner.

[thomas]

dear John- we are praying for you and your family! I am a huge fan of yours and I hope for the best for you!
your a huge inspiration to me!
Thomas

[DON OERTEL]

John Ive been watching you being on fire from her to austraila and knothing has ever slowed you down from getting back in the car,good luck with your recovery and god is with ya,can't wait to see your next show about this Insident,"GOOD LUCK"

[roger wright]

hey man!
i just wanted to let you know, that i think you have been through alot this year. i really want you to heal inside and out. spend some time with your family, and come back next year and i promise I'll be there love you man! take care! roger

[canadianpenny]

hello from canada, i was very sad to hear that you had a crash, and i hope you have a speedy recovery,best wishes, BE SAFE

[ron harding]

JOHN,the min. I heard that you had a accident and that if might be your legs.I
said a prayer for you. my next thought was if he needs any help from me I sure want to be there to help him.
good luck in your recovery.
your as tough as they come.

Your friend
Walking on stilts
Ron Harding

[Tammy Meloche]

John,

I have always been a big fan. You have worked hard to get here so, don't blow it by not recovering 100%. 100% is all I have ever seen you give. Remember there is a reason why you are still here.

God Bless You!
Nearby Brownsburg Fan!

[lisa ,manuel estrada]

You had a angel watching over you. Just take care of yourself so you can return to what you do best 'WIN"

[don parrillo]

jon thank god your alive and well, I COULDNT WAIT TO SEE YOUR INTERVIEW I KNOW WITH OUT a doubt you had A miracle when I SAW THE CAR CUT in half I thought you legs were gone, IF IN YOUR STUDY OF THE FILM WHEN YOU GET BETTER THERE IS NO EXPLAINATION OTHER THAN GOD HAS BLESSED YOU !!!!

[mark tolbert iii]

Glad you survived and that your family can look forward to seeing you at home. Follow advice to recover as fully as possible before jumping back into the Mustang. You're seem to be a champ inside and outside the car. A genuine role model and survivor. Be well and God bless you and your family. mt3

[wrp]

John,

You are already our champion.

[Polly Bishop]

John,
please listen to The dr's Laurie and the kids this time. let your body heal so you can come back next year and kick some......
I've watched you your whole career
your the best

[JOE CROZER]

HI JOHN, NOW IS THE TIME TO REALLY DO ERIC
JUSTICE,YOU AND JOHN MEDLIN NEED TO DESIGN A NEW FUNNY CAR WITH A CARBON FIBER TUB FOR THE DRIVER TO LIVE THROUGH THESE HIGH SPEED CRASHES. IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE, IF NHRA WONT GET ON BOARD DO IT WITHOUT THEM. WE DONT NEED TO LOSE ANY MORE DRIVERS DO TO STANGNET TECHNOLOGY. THANKS JOE SAN DIEGO CA.

[Eric]

John your a great man and there is no need to rush your self, because we know when your fully recovered you will come back and dominate!

[shawn pohlman]

john, when i watched the crash my heart fell to the floor knowing it was a bad one. when you think or hear of nhra, john force is the one name that comes to mind, you are a leader, a legend and champion, my hero! Hope you get well soon. just take your time, your fans will wait. Shawn

[charles and joan brown]

heres to a champion.get well soon.been therein rehab belive me it works. you a champion because you do what it takes do what it takes in rehab

[WENDY]

JOHNNY YOU ARE AND WILL ALWAYS BE #1 IN MY HEART! Take it slow and recoup so you can come back STRONGER AND FASTER THAN EVER!!!

[Grant Robertson]

We know you will make a full recovery and hope you take the time to do this. We've followed your career for many years and want to continue doing so as you are a great inspiration to the sport. A true champion! God Bless. Our thoughts are with Laurie and your four girls and family. We know they will have a hard time "holding you down" for your FULL recovery.
Your number 1 Canadian Fan

[Bill Becker]

I have been following your racing career for a long time. It makes me sad that you will not be able to win another championship this year. Hope you and your team get off to a great start next year! Best of luck in your recovery. Stay well!