NASCAR Driver Ripped For Avoiding Media Questions After Scary Wreck
10/28/2024 04:28 PM
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race at Homestead-Miami over the weekend had its share of fireworks.
The incident from the race that made headlines was Conner Jones intentionally wrecking fellow driver Matt Mills. Mills wound up having to go to the hospital for smoke inhalation, while Jones was held two laps for reckless driving and finished 25th. After the race, Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic attempted to get Jones to comment on what happened, but the young driver declined Bianchi's questions multiple times.
This drew the ire of Bianchi, who criticized Jones heavily during an appearance on "The Teardown."
"So I don't care about the age, I could care less. It never crossed my mind that he's 18 years old in that setting," Bianchi said, via On3. "You're 18 or 88 the situation demands that you be held accountable. When you intentionally wreck somebody at Homestead at the speeds you're going and that driver, his truck ends up on fire, now that's inexcusable. I am all for hard racing, I'm all for moving a guy on the last lap. I am not for intentionally wrecking somebody because you're angry and putting him in the wall. Especially on a track like this.
"What Conner Jones did in the Truck Series race is inexcusable. He deserved the penalty and he should answer the bell when it comes to, why did you do that? So to decline comment once, or to say, 'Hey, now is not the time.' Okay, I'm going to give you a few minutes, that's fine. But the second time after you've had 15, 20 minutes to go in your hauler and collect yourself, then you have every opportunity, you should be held accountable, you should answer for your actions. Especially in that moment when you know that driver got transferred to the hospital. So, to say no comment the second time, inexcusable. I know people are going to say, 'Oh media, blah blah blah,' I don't care."
Fortunately for Mills, he was able to leave the hospital Monday and shared a message on X/Twitter, thanking his fans for their support.
As for Jones, he released a statement taking responsibility for his actions but said he had not yet spoken to Mills directly.
"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. "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 has been taken to the hospital for further evaluation following the contact on the racetrack."
Grant Enfinger wound up winning the Truck Series playoff race on Saturday.
Related: NASCAR Driver Released From Hospital After Scary Crash On Saturday
