NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Conner Jones issued an apology after wrecking competitor Matt Mills during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday.
Conner Jones via Short Track Scene on X
Jones wrecked Mills on lap 76 of the 134 lap Baptist Health 200 while racing for 19th place. He bumped Mills in the corner and Mills was unable to hang on and crashed hard into the wall. His truck then erupted into flames.
Following the wreck, NASCAR parked Jones for two laps for intentionally wrecking Mills.
Conner Jones was PARKED TWO LAPS for intentionally wrecking Matt Mills.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/aiYPROO5d3
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 26, 2024
Jones was livid on the radio saying, “It’s been all f***ing year. All f***ing year. … I’m tired of it. I’m f***ing tired of it.”
Jesus Christ. Conner Jones Is ABSOLUTELY LIVID.@AlwaysRaceDay pic.twitter.com/eAFDY2iwzJ
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) October 26, 2024
Following the wreck, Niece Motorsports reported that Mills was “transported to a local hospital for further observation.”
The team provided an update later on Saturday evening noting that Mills would remain in the hospital for “observation overnight.”
On Sunday, October 27th, the reported he would stay another night in the hospital to monitor his “oxygen levels due to smoke inhalation.”
— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) October 27, 2024
Jones issued an apology following the conclusion of the race on Saturday evening. He wrote, “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. 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 of my actions would have on Matt, and I deeply regret the consequences that followed.”
He added, “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 has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation following the contact on the racetrack.”
— Conner Jones (@connerjones88) October 26, 2024
Niece Motorsports announced that Mills was released from Jackson South Medical Center on Monday and returned to his home in North Carolina. The team also added, “We’re thankful to have Matt Mills back home with us and appreciative of the support received. We look forward to turning our focus to Martinsville this week.”
We’re thankful to have @mattmillsracing back home with us and appreciative of the support received.
We look forward to turning our focus to Martinsville this week. pic.twitter.com/EA3Q8Djwoo
— Niece Motorsports (@NieceMotorsport) October 28, 2024
Mills shared a video to social media saying, “Glad to be out of the hospital. Still a little raspy as you can hear. Just all the overwhelming support and text messages that I’ve got mean so much to me. Definitely didn’t like being in the hospital as long as I was or being in that situation. Having you guys there to support me and get through that just can’t thank y’all enough.”
“I can’t wait to be back to the racetrack, Martinsville this weekend, and continue doing what I love. It was definitely a scary situation I’ve had, but it’s just part of the sport. Thanks to NASCAR medical team and everyone at the hospital and everyone at Niece Motorsports and J.F. Electric for continuing to support me and get through this tough deal. It means a lot. I’m more motivated than ever to keep doing my job. And we got two more races to try and get a good finish and get some momentum for that ’25 year. I’m ready to get home, get cleaned up, and just continue the recovery process, and see y’all in Martinsville.”
Glad to be heading home. Appreciate everyone that reached out over the last couple of days. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lN7Ph8y2fy
— Matt Mills (@mattmillsracing) October 28, 2024
What do you make of Jones’ apology?