While initial reports during the race stated that Erik Jones had been checked and released from the infield care center at Talladega Superspeedway after a wreck that sent him into the wall nose first; Jones was later transported to the University of Alabama hospital in nearby Birmingham for further evaluation.
Back home in North Carolina, Jones underwent further evaluation where it was determined he has a compression fracture in one of his lower vertebra.
As a result, Jones will not be in the 43 car on Sunday at Dover Motor Speedway. Truck Series driver and Legacy Motor Club reserve driver Corey Heim will be behind the wheel of the 43 car at the Monster Mile in his Cup Series debut.
While he will not be in the car, Jones will be in attendance at the race to aid in calling the race on the pit box.
No timetable has been set for Jones’ return to driving the 43 car.
LMC co-owner Jimmie Johnson spoke on the situation saying, “Erik’s long-term health is our number one priority. 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.”
Currently ranked 20th in the Cup Series point standings, the rules state that a driver must compete in all 36 races in order to be eligible for the playoffs. NASCAR has already issued a medical waiver for Jones should he either win a race or earn enough points to qualify for the 16 playoff spots.