NHRA icon John Force opens eyes following traumatic brain injury

NHRA legend John Force, 75, is showing signs of improvement in the intensive care unit one week after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a fiery crash, according to his team and family.

Force's racing team released a statement on social media Sunday saying that Force was moved from a Virginia hospital's trauma intensive care to neuro intensive care on Wednesday and, after struggling with commands, was able to open his eyes on the fifth day of his hospital stay.

"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 said in part.

The team also said Force recognized his wife and each of his daughters, and was able to tell them, "I love you."

"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," the statement said.

Force and his family are known as "the first family of drag racing" for their collective dominance in the sport. Force won 16 NHRA Funny Car championships as a driver and another 22 as a car owner. His daughters Ashley Force Hood, Brittany Force and Courtney Force all have competed in NHRA drag racing.

The elder Force continues to compete well into his 70s. He won as recently as June 2 at the NHRA New England Nationals, his second victory of the year.

The Motorsports Hall of Famer crashed June 23 in Virginia when his car sustained a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line. He slammed into a concrete guard wall at 302 mph. He was alert and talking when he was rescued and taken to a local hospital before being heavily sedated.

--Field Level Media