NASCAR suspends Conner Jones for wreck that left Matt Mills hospitalized

NASCAR has suspended the 18-year-old Conner Jones for one race after his decision to intentionally wreck Matt Mills last weekend left his rival hospitalized. Jones was battling for 17th in the Homestead Truck race when he let his frustrations overcome him. Entering Turn 3, Jones drove into the back of Mills in an attempted bump-and-run. However, Mills' truck snapped hard to the right and slammed the wall, quickly erupting into flames.

Mills, who climbed from the fiery wreckage under his own power, spent two nights at a local hospital due to smoke inhalation. Jones was held two laps after the incident during the Truck race at Homestead. 

After the race, Jones released a statement expressing regret and apologizing for his actions, saying: "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."

The two drivers have had run-ins before. In a video message posted by Mills after being released from the hospital with a self-described 'raspy' voice, thanking everyone for their support and made it clear that he will be racing this weekend. "Definitely a scary situation," he said, but he never mentioned Jones.

Jones was slated to compete this weekend at Martinsville. ThorSport will instead put veteran driver Johnny Sauter behind the wheel of the No. 66 machine. The 2016 Truck Series champion has over 300 starts in his career and previously competed for ThorSport.