CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Erik Jones will miss Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway due to a spinal fracture he suffered in a crash at Talladega, Legacy Motor Club announced on Tuesday.
Jones posted a video on X, the social media website formerly known as Twitter, sharing the news. Jones said he's unsure of when he will return to the car. He went to a hospital in Alabama after he was released from the care center at Talladega.
NASCAR Truck Series driver Corey Heim will fill in for Jones at Dover and moving forward. Jones will be at the track this weekend to support the team and Heim.
"Hope to be back in the car as soon as I can," Jones said. "Just wanted to say thanks to Legacy for supporting me."
Jones' No. 43 Toyota slammed into the Turn 3 wall after making contact with Bubba Wallace late in Sunday's Geico 500. The collision sent his car head-on into the wall. He was heard on team communication complaining about back pain before getting out of the car. Jones told Fox Sports that he was "sore" but felt he'd be OK after the race.
Legacy Motor Club confirmed Jones went to UAB University Hospital in Birmingham for further evaluation after the race and met with specialists in Charlotte, where it was determined he suffered a compression fracture in his lower vertebra.
"Erik's long-term health is our No. 1 priority," Legacy Motor Club co-owner Jimmie Johnson said. "It will be great to see him at the track Sunday and we intend to give him the time it takes to recovery properly."
Legacy Motor Club said it will request a medical waiver to maintain Jones' eligibility for the NASCAR playoffs once he returns. Under the current rules, drivers must attempt to start each race in the regular season to be eligible for the 10-race format, unless given a waiver.