For the racing fans in the area that have seen him race at Mission, he’s a world class driver that  is not only entertaining, but fan friendly at all events he attends in the US or north of the 49th in Canada.

I along with others have had the chance not only to watch him race at Mission, but also had the chance to have a “one on one” with him and you talk about a wealth of knowledge and understand of the racing world – this guy knows everything and then some.

He’s a name that everyone knows and respects in the racing world and now we are hearing that 16-time NHRA Funny Car champ John Force was sent to an Arizona hospital following a tragic crash with a fellow driver.

The crash took place when the engine of his (John Force) Peak Chevrolet Camaro blew up just as he was crossing the finish line during the quarterfinals of the final eliminations in the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in suburban Phoenix.

The force of the explosion destroyed the body of Force’s car causing him to lose control as his car crossed into the right-hand lane he hit the retaining wall in front of Johnnie Lindberg. Lindberg attempted to avoid hitting Force, but could not avoid the impact that also resulted in the body of Lindberg’s car also being destroyed with both cars becoming tangled in Lindberg’s parachute.

Lindberg exited his car on his own and was checked out at the medical center before being released, but John Force wasn’t so fortunate.

He was helped out of his mangled car by the NHRA safety team and transported by Ambulance to the hospital due to the severity of the impact.

According to a Twitter post made by the NHRA, Force was “conscious and alert” as the medical team was transporting him to the hospital.

This is the second time Force has had an engine explode and the body blew off in the last two weeks.

He also wrecked during the qualifying February 9 for the season-opening Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, California.