It was a scary scene at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday after one of the trucks burst into flames following an intentional wreck in the Truck Series race.
With 59 laps left in the Baptist Health 200, NASCAR Truck Series driver Conner Jones – who was running 18th – slammed into the back of rival driver Matt Mills, sending the No. 42 into the wall to bring out a caution.
The impact led Mills’ truck to burst into flames in the back of the truck, which eventually engulfed much of the truck before the driver left the vehicle under his own power.
Matt Mills to remain at local hospital for ‘continued observation’
While Mills was OK in the immediate aftermath of the crash, Niece Motorsports posted after the race that the 27-year-old driver was transported to a local hospital and would remain there overnight for “continued observation” after Saturday’s fiery crash.
Niece Motorsports didn’t provide details on Mills’ full condition but suggested that further updates would follow after an overnight stay at the hospital.
Saturday’s crash followed a series of on-track incidents this season between Mills and Jones, who was parked for two laps in Saturday’s playoff race for “reckless driving.” Neither Mills nor Jones are in contention for the Truck Series title.
After the race, the 18-year-old Jones was approached by reporters for comment. After asking a racing team member whether he should talk to the media or if he might “say something stupid,” he opted against it and left the track.
Conner Jones offers ‘sincerest apologies’ for wrecking Mills
While Jones declined to speak with reporters after the race, he posted on social media that he intended to apologize to Mills for Saturday’s incident.
Jones referenced their on-track beef in his post and blamed his frustration for intentionally wrecking Mills, saying he “underestimated” the impact that such a move would have after Mills’ truck burst into flames.
Jones was clearly frustrated over his radio immediately after the incident, saying in a profanity-laden tirade that “it’s been all year” and he was “tired of it” – presumably referencing his on-track battles with Mills.
That could work against Jones if NASCAR decides to issue further punishment for intentionally wrecking Mills beyond the two-lap penalty on Saturday.
Jones went on to finish 25th in the race, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll be able to race next weekend at Martinsville Speedway. The same goes for Mills depending on his health ahead of next Friday’s race, which is the second-to-last race of the season.