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October 27, 2024

Matt Mills transported to local hospital after Homestead-Miami crash


HOMESTEAD, Fla. — NASCAR officials said that driver Matt Mills was transported to an area medical facility for further evaluation after a crash in Saturday’s Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In a Sunday update, Niece Motorsports announced that Mills will remain overnight at a local hospital for a second night of observation as doctors continue to monitor Mills’ oxygen levels due to smoke inhalation, the team said in a statement. Mills announced Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he returned home.

“Glad to be out of the hospital. Still a little raspy as you can hear, but just all the overwhelming support and text messages I’ve gotten just mean so much to me,” Mills said on social media. “Definitely didn’t like being in the hospital as long as I was or being in that situation, so having you guys there to support me and help me get through that, just can’t thank y’all enough. Can’t wait to be back at the race track at Martinsville this weekend and continue doing what I love.”

Mills crashed in the 76th of 134 laps in Saturday’s Baptist Health 200. The 27-year-old driver lost control of his No. 42 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet after a Turn 3 bump from Conner Jones’ No. 66 ThorSport Racing Ford during their contest for 19th place.

RELATED: Race results | At-track photos: Homestead

Mills’ truck slammed the outside retaining wall and sustained heavy right-side damage. He gingerly exited the No. 42 Chevy after it skidded to a stop, where he was attended to by safety personnel.

Niece Motorsports provided a statement on Mills post-race: “Matt Mills, driver of the No. 42 J.F. Electric/Utilitra Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, is being transported to a local hospital for further observation after contact during today’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Additional updates will be forthcoming, with no additional comments at this time.”

The Al Niece-owned team indicated Saturday evening that Mills would remain at the hospital overnight for continued observation, adding: “Matt and team are grateful for the outpouring of support.”

Jones, a part-time Truck Series competitor making his 21st career start, lashed out in frustration through his team communications after the contact. During the caution period, NASCAR officials penalized him for rough driving, holding his No. 66 truck on pit road for two laps.

Jones declined comment to reporters after finishing 25th in the 34-truck field, but issued a statement through social media later Saturday afternoon.

The Truck Series will race at Martinsville Speedway on Friday (6 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

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