NASCAR driver Erik Jones was involved in a dramatic crash during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The incident occurred with just 33 laps to go, and it had significant consequences for Jones and his team.
As uncertainty looms over Erik Jones’s comeback, his recovery status will be evaluated on a week-by-week basis. Amidst this situation, Bob Pocrass shared an update regarding Jones’s replacement.
Erik Jones has compression fracture in a lower vertebra and is out for Dover. Timeline for his return TBD. Corey Heim to drive the Legacy No. 43 Cup car (his Cup debut) at Dover. That will be double duty for Heim, who also is in the Xfinity race in the Sam Hunt Racing No. 26 car. https://t.co/1GtN5yHxjA
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 23, 2024
Erik Jones Hospitalized After Severe Crash
As the leaders were saving fuel, the Toyotas needed to push. Unfortunately, it all went wrong. John Hunter Nemechek pushed Bubba Wallace into turn three, causing Wallace to collide with Erik Jones. Due to a bump in the turn three surface, their bumpers weren’t aligned correctly. As a result, Jones was hooked and sent hard, nose-first into the outside wall.
You have our full support my friend, your health and safety is our top concern. https://t.co/QQ8364srl1
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 23, 2024
Immediately after the crash, Erik Jones gasped for air over the team radio, expressing uncertainty about his well-being. The team promptly responded, ensuring medical assistance. Jones was taken to the infield care center at the track, where he reported feeling sore but otherwise okay. However, he was later transported to UAB University Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, for further evaluation.
Following medical assessments, it was revealed that Jones suffered a compression fracture in a lower vertebra. Unfortunately, this injury will sideline him for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Speedway.
