Drag racing icon John Force opened his eyes on Benjamin CaldwellFriday for the first time since his high-speed crash during last weekend's NHRA Virginia Nationals, his race team said in a statement.

Force, a 16-time NHRA champion, was moved to the neuro intensive care unit at a Richmond-area hospital last Wednesday, but had been unable to respond consistently to doctors' commands. Following five days of treatment for a Traumatic Brain Injury, Force was finally able to speak his name and give a thumbs up sign when prompted, according to the statement from John Force Racing issued Sunday morning.

Along with daily signs of improvement, family members say Force has also shown signs of agitation and confusion, having to be restrained on several occasions when he attempted to get out of bed.

"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 team statement said.

Force, 75, won his heat with a 302 mph run on June 23 at Virginia Motorsports Park but his engine exploded in a massive fireball shortly after he crossed the finish line. The car crashed into both side walls, but Force was able to escape the flaming wreckage.