Less than a year ago, a battered John Force was holed up in a hospital bed with a plethora of injuries related to an accident during the NHRA Fallnationals in Dallas, Texas. Force had made his way into the Countdown to Four points with the round victory which ended his season.

An emotional Force plotted every which way he could return to competition, even though he couldn’t walk, push the gas pedal or much less grip the steering wheel. Less than a year ago, a battered John Force was holed up in a hospital bed with a plethora of injuries related to an accident during the NHRA Fallnationals in Dallas, Texas. Force had made his way into the Countdown to Four points with the round victory which ended his season.

An emotional Force plotted every which way he could return to competition, even though he couldn’t walk, push the gas pedal or much less grip the steering wheel.

He never gave up hope of racing for another championship. In an obvious pain-medicine-aided suggestion, Force suggested, “Maybe their trucks won’t make it to the race.”

Then the medicine wore off and reality hit him.

The reality hit him on Sunday in Reading during the NHRA Toyo Tires Nationals but in a more positive nature. This time he qualified for the showdown without having to hope for the impossible.

“I worked really hard and I had great doctors and physical therapists. (JFR marketing representative) Chad Light worked with me through this whole thing. I want to thank him for all his work and Robert Ortmeyer, my physical therapist,” said Force. “I am going to be 100% by Indy and that was my goal. I have a few weeks left and I’ll get back in the gym. It is showing in my driving.”