AceShowbiz - Racing driver-turned-TV star Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has thanked family and friends who jumped to support him and his wife last week (ends August 16) after they narrowly escaped a plane inferno in Tennessee.

The retired NASCAR ace, wife Amy and their baby daughter Isla were on board when the twin-engine Cessna Citation Latitude, registered to Earnhardt's JR Motorsports, crashed at Elizabethton Municipal Airport in Carter County on Thursday afternoon (August 15).

All three were hospitalised following the near-death experience.

"Amy and I want to thank everyone who has lifted us up with phone calls, messages and prayer since last Thursday," the 44-year-old wrote in a statement on Twitter. "We are truly blessed that all on board escaped with no serious injuries, including our daughter, our two pilots and our dog Gus."

He added, "With respect to the investigation, we will not be speculating or discussing the cause of the accident. I am thankful for the quick response of my pilots, local law enforcement, emergency personnel and hospital staff."

National Transportation Safety Board officials have reportedly concluded the incident was caused by damaged landing gear.