LAS VEGAS — Legendary NHRA driver John Force, who experienced a severe brain injury from a dramatic accident at Virginia Motorsports Park in June, has been given the green light to attend an upcoming race.

On Thursday, the 16-time Funny Car champion revealed that he plans to accompany his wife, Laurie, to the Nevada Nationals set for next weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “At the end of the day, I’m gonna recover and getting better already,” Force stated in a video shared by John Force Racing. “I’m working at it every day.”

During the event, Force will support his two-car Funny Car team, which features drivers Austin Prock and Jack Beckman. His daughter, Brittany Force, is also set to compete in the Top Fuel class. John Force expressed his desire to be there for his teams and to connect with fans and sponsors.

The 75-year-old racing icon suffered a crash at speeds nearing 300 mph when his engine malfunctioned and exploded, causing him to collide with a wall. He subsequently spent a month in hospitals, initially in intensive care at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, and later at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Since then, Force has continued his recovery with outpatient care at his home in California.

Reflecting on his journey, Force remarked on his ongoing recovery, describing himself as “still a work in progress,” with experiences that include both “good days and bad days.” He assured fans, “I’m gonna get better,” and conveyed gratitude for the support he received during this trying time. “I felt I owed it to everyone to tell you guys that I’m OK. I want to take a moment to thank you. I love all the cards and gifts and everything because you showed me that you cared at a time when I needed help.”

Force also expressed appreciation for his family, drawing attention to his four daughters and son-in-law, Robert Hight, for their unwavering support amidst what he described as “a scary time for them.” In lighthearted fashion, he added, “Not for me; I didn’t have a clue where I was at.”

With an optimistic outlook, Force concluded, “We’re going to be OK.”