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NASCAR suspends Truck Series driver Conner Jones for 1 race for intentional crash

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NASCAR suspends Truck Series driver Conner Jones for 1 race for intentional crash

NASCAR Truck Series driver Conner Jones was suspended from one race Wednesday after intentionally crashing into another driver, Matt Mills; Matt Mills was hospitalized for two days over the weekend as a result of the accident.

Jones, 18, lost his temper while racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday and hit Mills’ rear bumper, sending Mills’ truck crashing into the racetrack and into the wall. Mills’ truck then caught fire. The driver, affected by the smoke, was taken to nearby hospitals.

NASCAR issued a two-lap penalty to Jones at the time. But following this week’s meeting, officials determined Mills’ behavior also warranted a racing penalty.

Jones refused to speak to reporters at the track but later issued an apology on social media, saying in part: “Matt and I have encountered many incidents at the track this season and I let my frustration get the best of me.” I. “I underestimated the impact my actions would have on Matt and I deeply regret the consequences that followed.”

After being discharged from the hospital on Monday, Mills posted a video on her social media channels expressing her gratitude for the well wishes from fans.

“I definitely didn’t like being in the hospital for that long and being in that situation,” Mills said, her voice still high from the smoke. “I can’t thank you all enough for being there to support me and help me get through this.”

Mills was cleared to race at Martinsville Speedway on Friday. He sits 23rd in Niece Motorsports’ points standings with two top-10 finishes this year.

Running a part-time schedule for ThorSport Racing this season, Jones had a season-best finish of 11th. Jones’ replacement has not yet been determined.

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(Photo: James Gilbert / Getty Images)

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