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 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.

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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.

This story will be updated.