John Force moved out of intensive care after suffering traumatic brain injury when his car EXPLODED in 300mph crash last month

NHRA drag racing great John Force has been moved out of neurological intensive care after suffering a traumatic brain injury in a fiery, 300-mph crash at the Virginia Nationals last month.

The 75-year-old Force has been moved from neurological intensive care into acute neuro care at the hospital where he was transported by air ambulance on June 23, John Force Racing said Friday in a release. 

Force suffered a traumatic brain injury and other injuries, including a fractured sternum, in the crash during the first round of Funny Car eliminations.

Force's car had a catastrophic engine failure at the finish line, with the vehicle going across the center line and slamming into the left concrete guard wall, then careening back across into the right wall.

The team's statement said Force still has periods of confusion and will likely at some point move to a long-term facility specializing in TBI and associated symptoms. 

He has been able to speak and to walk with help from medical staff, but the release said 'medical professionals emphasized once again that the journey ahead will be a long and difficult one.'

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. 

In 2007, at age 58, Force was also seriously injured in a racing crash in Ennis, Texas. 

He has continued to race at the highest level, earning his second win of the season and record 157th NHRA victory in New Hampshire.

Force's daughter, Brittany, is a two-time world champion.

A previous update on June 30 said Force was showing 'daily signs of improvement' and opened his eyes for the first time since his crash.

He was also 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,' a statement said.