“Absolutely NEVER count out John Force”: Fans react as Dale Earnhardt Jr. reminisces about “the Richard Petty of drag racing”

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. took to X to wish drag racer and Funny Car legend John Force a speedy recovery after the latter suffered a horrible crash in last week's NHRA Virginia Nationals. Fans reacted to Junior's statement, expressing their solidarity with the 75-year-old dragster.

Force's accomplishments in the arena of drag racing led former NASCAR driver Rick Mast to regard him as "the Richard Petty of drag racing." Dale Earnhardt Jr. found the comparison appropriate. Reflecting on the same, the two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion said:

"Watched a previous post from Rick Mast and heard him call John Force the Richard Petty of drag racing. It is a perfect comparison. John Force has long been everything to drag racing. And for me, every moment I spent around him was as thrilling as watching him run the strip. Certainly wishing him comfort and a smooth recovery."

Several fans reacted to the post with one saying that Force should never be counted out.

"Absolutely NEVER count out John Force!" the fan said.

Another fan rallied behind Dale Earnhardt Jr., calling Force the Elvis Presley of drag racing.

"Elvis of drag racing," said the fan.

Here are a few other reactions to Dale Jr.'s heartfelt post about the veteran dragster's recovery:

"John Force is the RIC FLAIR of drag racing! WWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!," said a fan.

"@JohnForce_FC is the reason I started watching drag racing and I can say your dad was the reason too I started watching NASCAR. Agree with rhe Richard Petty comparison. Praying for him and his recovery," added another.

"True, Force has been the face of Drag Racing a long time, a natural descendant of guys like Mickey Thompson, Don Garlits and Don Prudhomme…" a fan wrote.

Throughout his long and illustrious career, Force, a 16-time Funny Car champion, has 157 victories under his belt. Nine races into the 21-race NHRA Funny Car schedule, he sits second behind points leader and teammate Austin Prock in the 2024 NHRA Funny Car standings with 693 points to his name.

John Force remains in ICU days after Virginia Nationals clash

John Force Racing posted an update on the current condition of the 75- on June 25. According to the update, the doctors at Virginia Hospital are working slowly while assessing the extent of the drag racing Hall of Famer's injuries because of how serious they are. Force is currently in the ICU under extensive neurological care.

"Attending doctors purposely were moving slowly in assessing the extent of the injuries to the Hall of Fame owner and driver because of the intensity of the impact. Medical staff will not provide a treatment and recovery timetable until a total evaluation is completed," it said.

Although there has been no official update about the extent of his injuries yet, NHRA had said the following in an earlier statement, as reported by Fox News:

"Force was alert and was examined onsite by the NHRA Medical Team before being transported to a local medical facility for further evaluation."

Force's Chevy was reportedly running 300 miles per hour at the time of the crash. Here is a video of the brutal crash:

JFR driver Austin Prock dedicated his win at Virginia last week to his boss. Speaking of his trophy, the Lansing native said (0:35),

"It's going straight to the hospital that John Force is at. I hope he's out (of the hospital) actually. This is definitely dedicated to John Force.

John Force's daughter, Brittany Force, has decided to stay out of the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. Brittany, who is a two-time World Champion, will stay with her mother, Laurie, and sisters, Adria, Ashley, and Courtney at the medical facility in Virginia.