Erik Jones sends message to fans after scary crash at NASCAR event
After a scary crash during a recent NASCAR event, Erik Jones has sent a message to the fans that have given him well wishes during his recovery. It was revealed yesterday that he suffered a spinal fracture from the incident.
“It means a lot seeing the outpouring of support over the last few days,” he wrote. “Thank you to my fans for the positive messages and well wishes. I’m 100% committed to my health and recovery, and your kind words have been amazing to see.”
The incident occurred during Lap 157 wreck during this past Sunday’s GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Jones will be sidelined for this Sunday’s Würth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway, and will be replaced by Corey Heim.
Jones was taken to the hospital a short time after the wreck — but not before he did some media interviews before more discomfort led him to seek further medical help. He was released just before midnight local time on Sunday night. From there, he was able to fly back home to North Carolina.
Erik Jones diagnosed with back injury after meeting with Charlotte specialists
The accident occurred after the seven remaining Toyotas came to pit road together as part of a plan to get a jump on the rest of the field. Racing in a single-file line, the group stacked up going into Turns 3 and 4. Bubba Wallace, John Hunter Nemechek and Denny Hamlin were involved along with Jones. Jones hit the outside barrier head-on and was released soon thereafter from the infield care center. He told Regan Smith of FOX Sports at the time that he was a “little sore,” but he’ll “be alright.”
Jones was later transported to the UAB University Hospital in Birmingham for further evaluation and testing before returning home to Charlotte that night. He was officially diagnosed with a compression fracture in a lower vertebra after meeting with specialists in the Charlotte area.
“Erik’s long-term health is our number one priority,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy Motor Club. “It will be great to see him at the track Sunday. And we intend to give him the time it takes to recover properly. I know Corey will do a great job behind the wheel for the CLUB. In the meantime, our thoughts are with Erik and his wife Holly – they have our total support.”
Legacy said it will request a medical waiver for Jones to remain eligible for the 2024 Cup Series playoffs. Jones currently sits 20th in the points standings with one top-10 finish this season.
This Sunday’s race will be Heim’s Cup Series debut. The 21-year-old prospect has six CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins, one coming this season at COTA. He has appeared in five Xfinity Series races this season, finishing a career-best P4 at Richmond.
On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report.