STATESVILLE, N.C. — Erik Jones will not compete in this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway following an accident at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last Sunday, Legacy Motor Club revealed Tuesday afternoon.
Legacy M.C. reserve driver Corey Heim will substitute for Jones in this weekend’s 400-mile race aboard the No. 43 Toyota.
Jones was involved in a multi-car accident on lap 157 During the Geico 500 at Talladega. The 27-year-old was initially checked and released from the track infield care center. However, he later returned to the care center and was then transported to UAB University Hospital for further evaluation and testing.
Jones returned home to North Carolina on Sunday night and met with specialists in the Charlotte area where it was determined that Jones suffered a compression fracture in a lower vertebra.
Following the news, Jones posted a video update on social media.
— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) April 23, 2024
“Learning a little bit further, I’ve got a spinal fracture that is gonna keep me out of the car for Dover this weekend. Gonna be taking it kind of week-by-week here and see how things go. But, hope to be back in the car as soon as I can, get healed up quick and right.”
Although there has been no timeline set for Jones’s return behind the wheel, he will be in attendance in Dover to help call the race with his crew. Heim, 21, currently competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Tricon Garage and in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Sam Hunt Racing.
“Erik’s long-term health is our number one priority,” said Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy M.C. “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.”
The team will request a medical waiver for Jones to remain eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.