After his Talladega crash on lap 155, Legacy Motor Club driver Erik Jones‘ fortunes have taken a downturn. Initially, he was checked and released from the infield care center. But a re-evaluation at a local hospital predicted dismal results. Jones had said, “I’m sore, it just really stretched it out a lot. So, it’ll be a long week, just trying to get recovered and feeling better for next week. But I’m alright.”

Now that the hospital results are out, the No. 43 driver has been relegated to the stands for some time. In his place, a competent young driver will be racing instead.

Erik Jones sadly admits to medical leave

When Bubba Wallace bump-drafted Erik Jones, it seemed that a good plan was in place. But things went awry as Jones wiggled out of line and slammed the outside wall hard. The video was quite frightening, as Erik Jones’ battered car emitted a ton of smoke. After losing his contention for a win, Jones admitted feeling discomfort in his back, although he was able to climb out of the car.

Now, Erik Jones has released a video saying he has a spinal fracture. He said: “Just wanted to say that I have a quick message for everybody…After the tension I received in Talladega after the wreck…Learning a little bit further, I got a spinal fracture that is going to keep me out of the car for Dover this weekend”. In his place, LMC reserve driver Corey Heim will drive his car at Dover International Speedway the following weekend.

Jimmie Johnson-run Legacy Motor Club updated the situation on X: “NEWS: @CoreyHeim_ to substitute for @Erik_Jones in No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE for this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Dover Motor Speedway.”

Competing full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Corey Heim holds an impressive resume. He is a six-time Truck winner, his most recent glory coming at COTA. In the beginning of 2024, LMC inducted him as a reserve driver. Heim was ecstatic then: “This is a big opportunity, and I can’t thank everyone at LEGACY M.C. and Toyota for believing in me.”

Erik Jones is eager to help out his replacement for the No. 43 Toyota Camry. “I’ll be in Dover this weekend sporting Corey in the 43 car, try and get him out there, running well.”

However, Jones cannot wait to come back to the race track soon. “Going to take it week by week here and see how things go. But I hope to be back in the car as soon as I can, get healed up quick and right. Just wanted to say thanks to Legacy for supporting me during this time. “

Besides LMC’s immeasurable support, even NASCAR’s higher-ups have recognized Erik Jones’ tough time.

Jones’s position is secure in 2024

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After Erik Jones got to know about his spinal fracture, it was clear that his Dover prospects looked bleak. Dover International Speedway is a fast 1-mile banked concrete oval that also has a downhill slope into the turns. This would make driving very difficult with serious back pain. And now Erik Jones will need more than a week to get behind the wheel again. Plus he is already 64 points outside the current playoff cutoff.

However, NASCAR came to his rescue with an announcement.

Bob Pockrass updates on X: “NASCAR has granted Erik Jones a waiver to miss races while injured and remain eligible for the playoffs. Likely would need to win a race as he likely will be at least 100 points behind the cutoff when he returns. @NASCARONFOX”  Hence despite the slight respite, Erik Jones will be thrown into the thick of the action as soon as he returns.

But for now he can rest and guide Corey Heim to guide the No. 43 car toward Victory lane as best as he can.