One of NASCAR’s drivers is going to be missing time after a scary wreck.
Last Sunday, during the NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, Byron native Erik Jones was involved in a heavy crash on Lap 156 of the 188-lap race. Heading into Turn 3, Jones got entangled with Bubba Wallace while battling Tyler Reddick. Jones got a little loose in the corner, which led to Wallace colliding with his back bumper, sending Jones nose-first into the safety barrier.
Jones ended up finishing 35th in the 38-car field. Reddick went on to win the race in thrilling fashion.
Jones was originally checked out and released from Talladega’s infield care center, he was eventually transported to UAB University Hospital in Birmingham for further tests. After returning to Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, he met with specialists, and it was later determined that he had suffered a compression fracture in his lower vertebrae.
The injury is severe enough that Jones will be unable to compete in this Sunday’s Wurth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway. Corey Heim will take his place in the seat of the No. 43 car, marking his first start in the Cup Series.
The 27-year-old went on social media on Tuesday, thanking the fans and his team, Legacy Motor Club, for their support. Jones said that he is unsure when he will be cleared to race, saying that he is taking it week-by-week.
Jones, who is currently 20th in the Cup Series standings, has been granted a medical waiver for the Cup Series Playoffs. This means he would be allowed to qualify for the 16-driver postseason if he meets all other eligibility requirements despite being sidelined.
In 10 starts this season, Jones has just one top-10 finish, as he ended up eighth in the Daytona 500 in February. In his 265-race career, which dates back to the 2015 season, Jones has won three times—twice at Darlington and once at Daytona—and has posted 37 top-five finishes and 89 top-10 results.