NASCAR’s Brad Moran addresses potential penalty for Conner Jones after controversial wreck with Matt Mills

NASCAR Truck Series driver Conner Jones could receive additional punishment for what appeared to be an intentional crash that left Matt Mills hospitalized for two nights, according to Brad Moran, NASCAR Cup Series managing director. The incident happened during the Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Jones drove hard in Turn 1 on lap 77 until Mills spun into the wall. He then sounded off on Mills for blocking him multiple times over the year. Jones was held on pit road for two laps for aggressive driving, per Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut.

“Well first of all, we’re glad to hear that Matt Mills is out of the hospital and doing well,” Moran said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “That is the most important thing. As we know, the Truck Series is a development series and we want our drivers coming through there to race on Sunday.

“As you saw on Sunday, our drivers did not run over each other and we need to prevent that from happening in the lower divisions. I think there have been some discussions earlier in the season with Conner Jones and unfortunately, what happened on Saturday was not acceptable.

Conner Jones apologizes to Matt Mills for wreck

“The radio communication was not acceptable and the race director made that decision, which is well within the rule book, but we’re going to go back and look at it as well today to see if any further action needs to be taken.

Jones did not speak to reporters after the race but did issue a statement hours 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 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.”

Jones, 18, finished 25th in the Truck Series race at Homestead. He drives the No. 66 car for ThorSport Racing. Mills, 27, has competed in 37 Truck Series races in his career. He drives the No. 42 car for Niece Motorsports.