Sports - NHRA star John Force taken to hospital after top-end accident with Kenny Bernstein

[hidusa]

Top Fuel drag racing star John Force was believed to have suffered two broken legs and a broken arm in a top-end collision Sunday with Kenny Bernstein during eliminations at the O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals at Dallas, the series' web site reported.

Force, who was described as awake and alert, was airlifted to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for treatment.

Force's and Bernstein's Funny Cars got together just as they crossed the finish line at more than 300 mph.

Track announcers reported that Force was talking to emergency personnel, the National Hot Rod Association site said.

----------------------------Update----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drag racing star and 14-time NHRA champion John Force was airlifted to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas after a top-end collision with fellow straight-liner Kenny Bernstein. Force was apparently alert and conscious after suffering two broken legs and an injured arm in the incident which occurred as the two were racing in the second round of eliminations at the O'Reilly NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex outisde of Dallas. The crash took place just as the two Funny Cars crossed the finish line after Bernstein...

...clipped the final timing cone. The numbers, although unofficial, showed Force crossing with a 4.863 at 315.34 mph to Bernstein's 4.904 at 312.06 mph. So, at least Force won which we're sure won't matter so much as he won't be able to drive in the next round. Bernstein? Oh, Bernstein quickly made his way out of his Monster Energy Drink Dodge Charger R/T and was shown walking around and talking to medical and safety personnel on the large television screens at the racetrack. (Hat tip to JRX!)