NHRA legend John Force taken to hospital after funny car engine explodes

Force, 75, had just won his heat with a 302 mph run at Virginia Motorsports Park when his engine exploded in a massive fireball. The car veered left into the opposite wall, crashing and then careening back across the track into the right wall. Force was able to escape the flames and climb to safety before getting in an ambulance.

After being examined by NHRA medical officials, Force was transported to a local hospital for additional evaluation.

Force has been a mainstay on the NHRA circuit since his debut 46 years ago in 1978. Since then, he’s won 157 titles and 16 season championships.