John Force was airlifted to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas after a heavy crash that also involved fellow NHRA legend Kenny Bernstein during eliminations at the Texas Motorplex in Ennis. Bernstein was uninjured. The 14-time Funny car champion underwent surgery Sunday night to repair damage to his knee, left ankle, and wrist. In addition to a broken left ankle and severe abrasion on his right knee, Force's left wrist also was dislocated and broken, and he sustained some severe abrasions and slight fractures on a number of fingers on his right hand. A full recovery is expected, doctors said. The accident occurred during the second round of eliminations at the O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex outside of Dallas. The two Funny cars got together just after they crossed the finish line, with Force ahead. Team spokesman Dave Densmore reported that Force was awake and alert following the accident. "He was asking to talk to Laurie, his wife, and (daughter) Ashley and Robert Hight, so that was a good sign," Densmore said. "He is in a lot of pain, obviously. They can't take passengers on the helicopter, so the family is off to the hospital in a car." "John has very serious injuries to his hands, his legs, and his feet that will require extensive work-up and treatment," said NHRA doctor Dwight Shewchuk, who was first on the scene with the NHRA Safety Safari. "Nothing appears life-threatening at this time, but he certainly has significant injuries so he's been taken to Baylor Hospital where he'll be further evaluated. "Although he was alert and conscious throughout the whole thing, he was demonstrating some signs of a concussion as he was asking the same question over and over. But his vital signs were stable and he's on his way." Said Bernstein, who was not injured in the incident, "First of all I just pray that John's going to be OK. I know he's hurt and the main thing I'm praying for is that he gets 100-percent recovery. That's more important than anything right now for me, Sheryl, and our team. I know he was talking to me there and he was asking if he hurt me. That's typical John right there. He'll be OK. He's a strong-willed man; he'll be fine."
Abrasions... I'm guessing the roll cage didn't stay together. And at the end of the 1/4 so about 300mph! video links anyone?
:eek3: HOLY CRAP! It looks like the cones took the car out but there is always a lot of other things that could go wrong too.