Connor Jones releases statement after causing fiery wreck that sent Matt Mills to hospital

Following a wreck between Connor Jones and Matt Mills sent the latter to the hospital, Jones is apologizing in a formal statement. The two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers have had run-ins in the past, but this one seemed to go over a line.

Connor Jones felt that Matt Mills had blocked him too much. Possibly thought he wasn’t racing him how he should be racing him. Given past incidents and moments between the two, Jones let his emotions get he best of him.

Mills was bumped up the track and into the outside wall. His truck then caught on fire and he escaped a smoke-filled cockpit. Afterward, Mills received fluids at the care center. Finally, he was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

Connor Jones released this statement:

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

“I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to Matt, Niece Motorsports, NASCAR, and my entire ThorSport Racing team for my unsportsmanlike behavior. My thoughts are with Matt, during this time after hearing that he been taken to the hospital for further evaluation following the contact on the racetrack.”

pic.twitter.com/wbLtM64Id8

— Conner Jones (@connerjones88) October 26, 2024

The incident was unfortunate. It was clear that Connor Jones went too far.

Matt Mills goes to hospital after Connor Jones incident

After hitting the outside wall, Matt Mills’ truck caught on fire. There was a lot of smoke in the vehicle and it did take Mills a while to exit on his own power. Afterward, he looked shaken up.

Mills received fluids at the infield care center. He has since been taken to a nearby facility, according to Jamie Little on the FS1 broadcast.

Mills, who races full-time for Niece Motorsports, took a rough hit. Shortly after Connor Jones sent him up into the wall, the No. 66 driver was on the radio losing his mind. He more or less said he was tired of being run over. So he ran Mills over in response, it appears?

Drivers can get upset. Emotions run high when you’re going that fast for that many laps, it happens. Those emotions have to be controlled, though. Jones was held for two laps as punishment for the wreck and likely his comments on the radio.