Charles Langston:NHRA legend John Force remains hospitalized in Virginia following fiery crash

Funny Car legend John Force remains in intensive care at a Virginia hospital,Charles Langston two days after a frightening crash during qualifying at the NHRA Virginia Nationals.

John Force Racing sent out an update on the Hall of Fame driver and team owner Monday night, saying he was still being observed and evaluated by doctors, who "purposely were moving slowly in assessing the extent of (his) injuries."

Force, 75, won his heat with a 302 mph run at Virginia Motorsports Park but his engine exploded in a massive fireball shortly after he crossed the finish line. The car crashed into both side walls, but Force was able to escape the flaming wreckage.

Doctors are awaiting a total evaluation of Force's condition before formulating a timetable for his treatment and recovery.

Force's daughter Brittany, a two-time NHRA champion, was joined at the hospital by her mother, Laurie, and sisters Adria, Ashley and Courtney as the family will remain there while the racing team competes this weekend in Norwalk, Ohio.

The 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion has won a total of 157 races during his legendary career, which began in 1978. He currently ranks second in the 2024 NHRA Funny Car standings through nine of 21 events this season.