Conner Jones received a race suspension for crashing into Matt Mills

Many felt ThorSport Racing’s part-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor Conner Jones crossed the line in Saturday’s Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway when he intentionally crashed into Matt Mills on Lap 76 of the race. On Wednesday, NASCAR released its weekly penalty report and the sanctioning body agreed to issue a one-race penalty to the 18-year-old driver.

RELATING TO: Matt Mills Released From Hospital Two Days After Severe Farm Accident

According to the penalty report, Jones was found to have violated Sections 4.3.A and 4.4.B of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rulebook, which relate to the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct.

Mills, who crashed hard into the Turn 4 wall following contact from Jones, spent the following two days under observation at a local hospital after suffering smoke inhalation after his truck burst into flames in the crash.

Jones released a statement on social media apologizing for the incident with Mills, but the driver was criticized by fans amid speculation that the statement was generated by artificial intelligence or that Jones had hired someone to make the statement for him.

“I have not had the opportunity to personally apologize to Matt for the incident that occurred during today’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but I intend to do so,” Jones said in a statement. “Matt and I encountered many incidents on the track this season and I let my frustration get the better of me. I underestimated the impact my actions would have on Matt and I deeply regret the consequences that followed.”

“I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to Matt, Niece Motorsports, NASCAR, and my entire ThorSport Racing team for my unsportsmanlike conduct. My thoughts are with Matt, following the contact at the Racetrack during this time after hearing that he was hospitalized for further evaluation.”

Mills was released from the hospital Monday afternoon.

Jones, who was originally on the list, Entry list for this weekend’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 at Martinsville SpeedwayNot eligible for competition. According to the updated entry list released by NASCAR, 2016 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Johnny Sauter will pilot the No. 66 ThorSport Racing Ford F-150 this weekend. Sauter was initially listed on the entry list as the part-time driver of the No. 16 Hattori Racing Enterprises Toyota Tundra.

As of Wednesday, the entry list shows “To Be Announced” (TBA) in the driver’s bay of the No. 16 truck.

A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Jones has raced in 12 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events this season, with his best finish being 11th at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. Jones finished 25th at Homestead-Miami Speedway after receiving a two-lap penalty for rough driving.

Additionally, NASCAR issued a one-race penalty to Front Row Motorsports NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series crew chief Dylan Cappello for a rules violation involving an unsecured ball in the No. 38 Ford F-150 truck at the event at Homestead. Layne Riggs, who was driving the truck, was also deducted 10 championship driver points, and the No. 38 team was also deducted 10 championship driver points.

NASCAR also issued four fines for unsecured lug nuts during a combined post-race inspection between the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series garages.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Mardy Lindley (No. 1 JR Motorsports Crew Chief), Andy Street (No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Crew Chief) and Joe Williams (No. 39 RSS Racing Crew Chief) were each fined $5,000. An unsecured lug nut on their car after Saturday’s event at Homestead.

Charles Walter was the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series crew chief who was arrested for a lug nut violation during post-race inspection of the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado because the lug nut was missing. Walter was fined $2,500 for the violation.