In a terrifying incident at the Virginia Nationals on Sunday, NHRA legend John Force experienced a horrific crash but was reported to be "conscious and talking" to safety officials, according to his team. Force, an iconic figure in the National Hot Rod Association, was immediately taken to a hospital for further evaluation after the wreck.

The incident occurred during the first round of the Funny Car eliminations, where Force's vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line, causing it to veer across the centerline and collide with both guard walls before coming to a stop. The NHRA stated that Force was alert and examined by their medical team before being transported to a local medical facility.

Shortly before the crash, John Force Racing had announced that Force had recently secured his record-breaking 157th NHRA win, with his 156th victory achieved just last April. This demonstrates the magnitude of Force's legacy in the motorsport world, making the accident all the more shocking.

NASCAR great Tony Stewart, who also races in NHRA's Top Fuel class, expressed his concern for Force, saying, "We're keeping our pal John Force in our thoughts and prayers. He's one tough cookie." The motorsport community rallied around Force, hoping for his swift recovery.

While the crash was undoubtedly a devastating blow to Force, his teammate Austin Prock was able to find success at the event, clinching a victory later that Sunday. Prock revealed that the trophy from the win would be going straight to the hospital for Force, an uplifting gesture to show support for their injured comrade.

The news of John Force's crash serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in motorsport and the physical toll it can take on even the most experienced drivers. Despite the harrowing incident, fans and fellow racers remain confident that Force will make a comeback, demonstrating the resilient spirit of race car drivers.

As the investigations into the cause of the engine failure and subsequent crash continue, the racing community eagerly awaits updates regarding Force's condition and his potential return to the NHRA.