NASCAR suspended Truck Sequence driver Conner Jones for one race on Wednesday after he deliberately crashed one other driver, Matt Mills — who was hospitalized for 2 days over the weekend because of the wreck.
Jones, 18, misplaced his mood whereas racing Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway and rammed into Mills’ rear bumper, sending Mills’ truck up the racetrack and into the wall. Mills’ truck then caught fireplace. The motive force was taken to a neighborhood hospital because of smoke inhalation.
NASCAR issued a two-lap penalty to Jones on the time. However after assembly this week, officers decided that Mills’ conduct additionally warranted a one-race suspension.
Jones refused to talk with reporters on the observe, however later issued an apology in a press release on social media that mentioned, partly: “Matt and I’ve encountered a number of on-track incidents this season, and I let my frustration get the very best of me. I underestimated the affect my actions would have on Matt, and I deeply remorse the implications that adopted.”
— Conner Jones (@connerjones88) October 26, 2024
Mills, after being launched from the hospital Monday, posted a video to his social media channels that expressed appreciation for the outpouring of well-wishes from followers.
“Undoubtedly didn’t like being within the hospital so long as I used to be or being in that scenario,” Mills mentioned, his voice nonetheless raspy from the smoke. “Having you guys there to help me and assist me get by that, I can’t thanks all sufficient.”
Glad to be heading house. Respect everybody that reached out during the last couple of days. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lN7Ph8y2fy
— Matt Mills (@mattmillsracing) October 28, 2024
Mills has been cleared to race Friday at Martinsville Speedway. He’s twenty third within the level standings for Niece Motorsports with two top-10 finishes this 12 months.
Jones, who has pushed a part-time schedule for ThorSport Racing this season, has a finest end of eleventh on the season. A alternative for Jones has not been named.
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(Photograph: James Gilbert / Getty Photos)