Legacy Motor Club releases update on Erik Jones' pit crew member hospitalized during Enjoy Illinois 300
Legacy Motor Club has released an update on Thomas Hatcher, the pit crew member on Erik Jones’ team that was seriously injured Sunday. He was involved in an accident that occurred on pit road during the Enjoy Illinois 300.
“Thomas Hatcher, front tire changer on the No. 43 team who was injured on pit road in yesterday’s NASCAR Cup Series race, was treated and released from St. Louis University Hospital last night. We are relieved he is resting and recovering at home in NC,” the statement said.
It was initially reported that Austin Dillon’s car struck Hatcher during a pit stop. However, clarification indicated that was not the case.
“FOX now says Austin Dillon’s car did *not* hit Erik Jones’ tire changer,” reported Jonathan Field of KOB4. “The tire changer and Jones’ tire carrier got tangled up when Jones’ car came in the box.”
The AMR Safety Crew immediately attended to the NASCAR crew member. He was taken to the hospital after regaining consciousness. It was a very scary situation on pit road.
Additionally, FOX’s Bob Pockrass reported that Hatcher will be in NASCAR’s concussion protocol. His status for the upcoming week remains undetermined.
Next week, the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Sonoma, California at Infineon Raceway.
Erik Jones speaks about injured pit crew member
Sunday’s accident was obviously very frightening. After the race, Jones was still processing all that unfolded on pit road.
“It’s hard to tell,” Jones said afterward. “I’ve got to really watch it back. The 3 was, obviously, coming in in front of us. I don’t know. Beyond that, I was gapped to him and tried to get in my box like normal. Obviously, they were coming around and were in front of the car as I was coming in the box. Like I said, I’ve got to see the video to see truly what happened. … I’m just praying for him right now.
“They were all a little late coming around with the three in front of us,” Jones said. “We were coming in like normal. Like I said, it’s hard for me — it all happened so quick, right? I can’t really put it all together. I’ve got to see it and watch it back. But thinking about Hatcher and his family and hope to talk to him here, soon.”
Fortunately, Hatcher didn’t sustain any serious injuries during Sunday’s race. It could’ve been much worse.