Matt Mills Still in Hospital After Homestead Crash

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

Niece Motorsports driver Matt Mills will remain at a local hospital in Florida for further observation following a scary crash during the 200-mile NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway Saturday.

From the team’s recent statement issued out Sunday afternoon, doctors are continuing to monitor Mills’ oxygen levels due to smoke inhalation.

The latest medical update was a result of retaliation from ThorSport Racing’s Conner Jones during the 134-lap race with Jones voicing his vengeful intentions after having another moment on the track that affected his race.

“It’s been all f***ing year! All f***ing year! “I’m tired of it! I’m f***ing tired of it,” an irate Jones exclaimed over the radio regarding Mills’ way of racing him.

Such tiresome mindset came fruition on Lap 75 when a battle for 16th became personal as Jones bumper tagged Mills in Turn 3, losing up his truck.

Despite an attempt of saving the truck, Jones’ antics resulted in Mills slamming the right side of his truck into the wall, causing a fire to the No. 42 Utilitra/J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado.

Mills brought his truck to a stop and gingerly got out of his truck under his own power. However, after receiving some fluids in the infield care center, the 27-year-old had to be transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and stayed there overnight.

Following the incident, NASCAR parked Jones for two laps due to reckless driving and finished 23rd.

Fellow drivers, fans and pundits alike voiced their displeasure on Jones and NASCAR must hand a severe punishment on the 18-year-old driver who’s garnered a bad reputation throughout his young racing career.

Despite declining to comment about the incident at first, Jones did issue a statement where he intends on speaking with Mills. Furthermore, Jones explained that he let his season-long animosity with Mills get the best of him Saturday.

“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,” said Jones in a statement.

“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.”