It was thrilling to watch the Toyota pack execute a group plan in Talladega. However, with 33 laps to go, racer-turned-broadcaster Kevin Harvick sensed something was wrong as he voiced over the microphone. Sure enough, a spine-chilling crash unfolded, with Erik Jones slamming with 70G force into the outside wall.

Jimmie Johnson’s driver had never missed a Cup race over seven-plus seasons. However, even the sturdy driver groaned over the radio, “I need help.” Although the first infield care center trip yielded nothing, Jones’ second doctor’s appointment revealed a severe back injury. As he remains sidelined from the Dover race, John Hunter Nemechek betrays his guilty feelings for partially causing his dilemma.

LMC teammate hangs his head while addressing Erik Jones’ crash

The FOX coverage clip of the Talladega wreck shows some possibilities. Erik Jones was closely trailed by Bubba Wallace and John Hunter Nemechek. So one possibility is that Nemechek’s light bump into Wallace reached Jones, who then totally lost control.

Incurring a compression fracture on his lower vertebra, Erik Jones was amazed. “I’ve never broke a bone in my life,” Jones said Saturday at Dover. His team owner, Jimmie Johnson, applauded the medics for their response. “I think the care center reacted perfectly,” Johnson said. “It was not much he could have done differently in that moment. I think everybody did a great job.”

However, Jimmie Johnson may not be too fond of his team’s rookie. Jones’ Legacy Motor Club teammate, John Hunter Nemechek, recently broached the topic cautiously in an interview. At first, he attempted to dodge the press question about whether he reviewed the wreck: “Uh, no comment on that.”

Then upon being prodded further about if he got into Wallace first, Nemechek yielded. “I think everyone has different opinions on that, right? Mine, I’ve reviewed a lot of tape, I’ve reviewed spotter audio, SMT; I’ve reviewed much of everything I could. It’s a racing deal, I guess, superspeedway racing. Sadly, there’s not enough time to react in certain situations, and that’s what happened.” 

Then Nemechek affirmed his camaraderie with Erik Jones, hoping to race with him again. “Yeah, I’ve talked to Erik a decent amount this week. Glad that he’s okay, and not more hurt than he is. Looking forward to his speedy recovery and him being back here really soon.” Erik Jones is indeed on a speedy path of recovery, as he recently confirmed.

Jones’ condition is improving

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Erik Jones recently said his injury is on the “mild side.” He gets sore at night when he’s not moving around, and his range of activity is limited. He also feels a jerk of pain when sneezing. Other than that, Erik Jones said, “I feel pretty good.” 

Corey Heim will substitute in Jones’ stead at Dover Motor Speedway as the latter gets better. The substitution might extend to Jansas, depending on Jones’ condition. Erik Jones told the media: “I’m feeling better and better every day,” Jones said. “I have an appointment next week, and kind of will make a decision from there.”

We wish Erik Jones a speedy recovery and hope to see him firing engines on race tracks soon.