NHRA drag racing legend, John Force, survived a life-threatening crash a week ago at Virginia Nationals. However, despite making it out of his wrecked car after the brutal crash, there was no update regarding his health or recovery. Fortunately, for the first time since the crash, the 75-year-old has shown signs of improvement.

A statement released by John Force Racing on Sunday stated that Force couldn’t follow basic commands to open his eyes and squeeze his hands. But as he moved out of the trauma intensive care unit to the neurointensive care unit, he started to come back to life, being his usual self. On the fifth day of being in the hospital, he started to respond to the commands and even gave a thumbs up. He also started recognizing his wife and daughter, and spoke the first few words, “I love you,” thus further lifting the spirits of his family members and supporters.

However, the doctors and the medical staff certainly had their work cut out trying to bring John Force up to regular speed. He was extremely agitated and confused, and he even tried to get out of bed. Ultimately, doctors had no choice but to restrain him, and they even labeled him as a raging bull. Although Force is now back to normal, he is expected to remain in the intensive care unit to assess his recovery further.

Only the driver’s family members are allowed to visit him, and taking a break from the racing action, his daughter Brittany would snub this weekend’s race in Norwalk, Ohio. Fans have been worried about Force’s condition and his recovery after the fatal crash. But this update certainly has settled their nerves, and they are now hoping to see him get back to his 100%.

NASCAR fans expect John Force to be back on the racetrack soon

This update was indeed surprising to many because, after the crash, Force was alert and talked to safety workers before being transported to a nearby. It’s clear that the impact of the crash hampered his abilities and, therefore, he had to be put in the intensive care unit. “Wow way worse than a thought but glad to hear he is improving.”

John Force is one of the most fiercely competitive drivers in the history of the NHRA. And age certainly hasn’t gotten in the way of pursuing his passion for drag racing. Therefore, learning about the legendary driver’s health update, this fan predicted that he will soon be back to racing once he is fully recovered, “Lots of fight left in that guy! Get well soon John.”

This isn’t the first time that he’s been involved in a life-threatening crash. Back in 2007, Force was seriously injured in a race at Ennis, Texas, which shattered multiple bones in his body. But by no means was this going to keep him away from racing. While this was a rather serious crash, this fan was jubilant to know that he would get to see his favorite drag racer back in action soon. “Great news. And just about as John Force as it gets! Get well soon, John.”

NASCAR fans have lost multiple gems and star drivers over the years. However, the loss of Dale Earnhardt is still something that the fans haven’t overcome yet. John Force might not be a NASCAR legend, but he certainly is an American motorsports icon. And fans didn’t want to lose another icon due to a race-related accident, “very welcome news couldn’t take another dale sr.”

It’s easy to get optimistic and pumped about the idea of John Force returning to racing. However, this particular fan reminded everyone how difficult it will be for Force to recover from a wicked crash: “Long road ahead extensive rehab keep praying 🙏.”

At 75, Force isn’t in his prime years of racing and is expected to take some time to heal and recover. Who knows? Perhaps last weekend’s crash could end up being his last race in the NHRA.