RAHAL OPENS UP ON IMPACT OF JOHN FORCE’S INJURY ON THEIR FAMILY

American motorsport has many famous family names, and two of its most formidable dynasties in recent years have been the Rahals in IndyCar and the Forces in drag racing.

The two became one when veteran IndyCar Series racer Graham Rahal, the 35-year-old son of 1986 Indy 500 winner Bobby, married Courtney Force – the now-retired (but hugely successful) drag racing daughter of NHRA legend John.

The Force family’s world was rocked recently when John – the 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion – suffered a traumatic brain injury in a horrendous 300mph fiery crash at Virginia Motorsports Park on 23 June.

After being airlifted to hospital, having also suffered a broken sternum and a right wrist injury, 75-year-old Force spent several days under heavy sedation in intensive care before being moved to an acute neuro care unit.

Following 15 days in hospital in Virginia, Force was released to fly to a neurological rehab center. A statement from his team revealed that he continues to deal with “cognitive and behavioural symptoms” of his injury, and that he is now conversing with staff and his family but is “still prone to periods of confusion”.

No timetable has been set for his rehab, and he remains in the facility at the time of writing.

Of course, racing drivers are well aware of the dangers of their profession, and six-time IndyCar race winner Graham was very close to Justin Wilson, his former team-mate, who was killed when hit by debris in a crash at Pocono in 2015.

Rahal, who has two children with Courtney, spoke candidly this week about the repercussions of Force’s crash on their extended family group.