NASCAR Truck Series driver Matt Mills was hospitalized after he appeared to intentionally crash during Saturday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Mills’ truck crashed into the wall and caught fire after Conner Jones hit him. Mills was able to get out of the truck on his own, but his Niece Motorsports team said in a statement Saturday night that he would be hospitalized overnight for observation.
In beep-heavy audio that Fox Sports 1 captured from his team radio, Jones was furious and mentioned that something was going on “all year” and that he was “tired of it.” NASCAR ended up penalizing Jones two laps for reckless driving after the accident.
Jones, 18, referenced Mills’ past incidents in a statement posted on social media after the race. Saturday’s race was his 12th of the season, while Mills has raced full-time this year in 21 races.
“I have not yet had the opportunity to personally apologize to Matt for the incident that occurred during today’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but I intend to do so,” the statement read. “Matt and I have had several incidents on the track 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.”
Mills finished 34th and last after the crash, while Jones was two laps back in 25th. The race was won by Grant Enfinger.