Alert – John Force IMPROVING in hospital and tells family he loves them after his car EXPLODED following 300mph crash last week

John Force is showing ‘daily signs of improvement’ and has opened his eyes for the first time after his shocking 300mph crash last week that caused his car to explode.

A statement from John Force Racing on Sunday said: ‘Following days of failed attempts, his wife and daughters were overcome with emotion when he murmured his name, ‘John Force,’ and later when prompted, gave a thumbs up.’

The statement also said that Force, 75, has been able to tell his family that he loves them.

‘He recognized his daughters, wife, Laurie, and called them each by name. And spoke the words, “I love you.” This, along with continued daily progress has uplifted their spirits,’ the statement said.

But there were warnings about Force’s condition amid the positive update, with the statement saying he has a difficult recovery ahead of him.

‘The biggest challenge has been managing his extreme agitation and confusion, which causes him significant distress,’ the statement said. 

‘He has repeatedly tried to get out of bed and has been restrained; his doctors have humorously described him as a raging bull.

‘Despite the welcomed progress, the 157- time tour winner still faces a long and difficult recovery ahead and for the immediate future, will remain in neuro intensive care with visitation restricted to immediate family members only.’

Following a 300mph crash in the Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park on Sunday, Force was rushed to hospital after his vehicle caught ablaze and he crashed into a wall in terrifying scenes.

The 75-year-old clocked in a 306.62mph win over Terry Haddock in the right lane at before the engine of his PEAK Chevy Camaro exploded during the high-speed run. 

A few days later it was revealed that Force has now been moved from the trauma intensive care unit in Richmond to the neuro intensive care unit, where treating his head injury was said to be of ‘primary concern’. 

‘Early in the treatment process of his Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), he failed to follow the series of commands to open his eyes, squeeze the hands of his care providers and move his extremities,’ the latest update explained.

‘Occasionally, he was able to respond with slight movements, but it wasn’t until he moved from trauma intensive care unit to neuro intensive care unit on Wednesday that he began to gain some momentum.’

Sunday’s statement continued: ‘John’s family members extend their deepest gratitude to the medical professionals responsible for his well-being and recovery. 

‘They deeply appreciate the overwhelming number of heartfelt messages, prayers, support, and concern from the entire automotive and racing industries.’

MORE TO FOLLOW