NASCAR announces additional punishment for Conner Jones after Matt Mills hospitalization

NASCAR announced Wednesday it has issued a one-race suspension to Conner Jones for intentionally wrecking Matt Mills during this past Saturday’s Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami.

Jones will miss this Friday’s Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 200 at Martinsville after NASCAR determined he violated the Member Code of Conduct. Johnny Sauter is listed as the driver of the No. 66 Ford F-150 for ThorSport Racing at Martinsville, per Joseph Srigley of TobyChristie.com.

Jones intentionally wrecked Mills while racing for 19th on Lap 75. Mills made contact with the outside wall before his No. 42 Chevrolet caught on fire. NASCAR parked Jones two laps for intentionally wrecking Mills.

#NASCAR Truck Series driver Conner Jones has been hit with a one-race suspension for intentionally wrecking Matt Mills on Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Mills spent two nights in the hospital after the wreck😳

More: https://t.co/ef6wQ4Txx1pic.twitter.com/p80JvZfuGe

— 5 GOATs (@5GOATs_) October 30, 2024

Mills spent two nights at a local hospital as doctors monitored his oxygen levels due to smoke inhalation. He was released from the hospital on Monday.

“Hey everybody, glad to be out of the hospital. Still a little raspy as you can hear,” Mills said in a video posted on X. “Um, but uh, all the overwhelming support and text messages I got just mean so much to me. Definitely didn’t like being in the hospital as long as I was or being in that situation. So, having you guys there to support me and help me get through that, just can’t thank y’all enough.”

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

Jones declined comment to reporters after finishing 25th. He issued a statement after the race.

“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. “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 had been taken to the hospital for further evaluation following the contact on the racetrack.”