Recently, NASCAR Truck Series driver Conner Jones found himself in the spotlight following an intense crash with fellow racer Matt Mills at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
This incident could lead to more serious consequences, as NASCAR is currently assessing whether Jones should face additional sanctions. Mills spent two nights in the hospital due to smoke inhalation from the crash.
The collision occurred on lap 77 when Jones’s truck hit Mills’s, causing Mills to spin into the wall and ignite. This wreck highlighted ongoing frustrations between the two drivers, with Jones expressing annoyance over what he saw as persistent blocking by Mills throughout the season. Jones, an 18-year-old rookie driving for ThorSport Racing, up against Mills in the No. 42 truck for Niece Motorsports, had clearly reached his limit.
In light of the incident, NASCAR quickly penalized Jones, keeping him on pit road for two laps due to the aggressive behavior exhibited during the race. However, NASCAR’s Managing Director, Brad Moran, indicated that further actions could be forthcoming. He emphasized the need for respectful driving in the sport, remarking:
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“We’re relieved to know Matt Mills is out of the hospital and recovering. First and foremost, that is what matters. The Truck Series is meant to be a developmental platform, and we expect our drivers to progress to higher levels without incidents like this.” He continued, “We need to avoid a repeat of what happened, as we’ve witnessed earlier this season with Conner Jones. The race director acted appropriately, and we will review the situation further.”
After hearing about Mills’s hospitalization, Jones publicly apologized, stating: “I haven’t yet had the chance to reach out to Matt directly, but I plan to do so. This season has seen several encounters between us, and I let my frustration dictate my actions. I truly regret how this all unfolded and wish to apologize sincerely to Matt, Niece Motorsports, NASCAR, and my ThorSport Racing team for my unsportsmanlike conduct. My thoughts are with Matt during his recovery.”
As NASCAR continues its assessment, the possibility of additional penalties for Jones remains open.