Erik Jones was transported to a hospital after the crash at Talladega Superspeedway
On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series raced in Talladega, Alabama. A stage three crash at Talladega Superspeedway has sent driver Erik Jones to the hospital.
Watch the Talladega crash video below.
With just 33 laps to go, most of the Toyotas had just pitted and they were in position to put pressure on the cars that had yet to pit. At the time, many of the leaders were running slow with the intention of saving fuel.
The Toyota camp took fuel only. And they were on a strategy to dominate the race if it went green to the end of the race.
As the leaders were saving fuel, the Toyotas needed to push. And it all went wrong.
John Hunter Nemechek shoved Bubba Wallace into turn three. Wallace was then pushed into the No. 42 of Erik Jones.
At the time of the bumpdraft, their bumpers weren’t in line due to a bump in turn three surface. Jones was hooked and he was sent hard, nose first into the outside wall.
Team Radio
“I don’t know if I’m alright,” Erik Jones stated on the team radio while gasping for air moments after the crash before the car came to a stop.
The team responded, “Get the ambulance there. Let them know.”
Jones added seconds later, “I need help.”
The 27-year-old was taken to the infield care center at the track. He was then released.
“I’m sore, it just really stretched it out a lot,” Erik Jones said after exiting the care center. “So it’ll be a long week just trying to get recovered and get to feeling better for next week, but all right.”
However, after being released from the infield care center, Jones has been taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
NASCAR also stated the No. 43 car would be taken back to the R&D Center for further evaluation.
Talladega Results: April 21, 2024 (NASCAR Cup Series)
Legacy Motor Club: Update
The team has provided the following update:
“Following a crash at Talladega Superspeedway in Sunday’s GEICO 500, Erik Jones was transported to UAB University Hospital in Birmingham, Ala,” the team release read as shared via X by Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut.
The statement concluded, “As of 11:30 p.m. CT, Jones was evaluated, released and will return home to North Carolina this evening.”
NASCAR is set to race this weekend at Dover Motor Speedway.
Update: Wednesday April 23
Erik Jones will sit out this weekend’s race at Dover Motor Speedway. Legacy Motor Club’s reserve driver Corey Heim will pilot the No. 43 car.
Jones exited UAB University Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama on Sunday night. He then visited specialists in the Charlotte area on Monday.
Jones has suffered a compression fracture in a lower vertebra.
“Erik’s long-term health is our number one priority,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of LEGACY M.C.
Johnson added, “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.”
Jones will still be in attendance this weekend at Dover. There is no clear timeline for his return to the car.
Legacy MC will request a playoff waiver for Jones.
Erik Jones
Talladega Superspeedway
Crash Video
Erik Jones
Talladega Superspeedway
Crash Video (In-Car)
Links
Erik Jones | Talladega SuperSpeedway | NASCAR
