Rumor: NASCAR Team Fires Notorious 18-YO Driver, Months After His Suspension

NASCAR has always been a sport full of adrenaline rush and high-octane performances. Yet, sometimes, it has produced some notorious events that defined some careers. Things look the same for the 18-year-old Connor Jones. The rising NASCAR star has been in the news in the last few months, but all because of the wrong reasons.

Jones, known for his fiery temper and aggressive tactics, has already cemented a controversial reputation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Despite competing only part-time, Jones’ on-track actions have sparked discussions among fans and insiders alike. Last year in October NASCAR suspended him for deliberately wrecking another driver which hospitalized him.

Fast-forward to November and Jones was involved in yet another heated episode. During the South Carolina 400, a crash involving Jones and Mason Diaz escalated into a physical brawl. Videos of the scuffle went viral, leaving fans in shock. However, as the 2025 season approaches, a new rumor about the 18-year-old star has left the NASCAR community buzzing.

ThorSport Racing appears to be parting ways with the young driver in a move that could redefine Connor Jones’ career trajectory. NASCAR reporter Joseph Srigley sparked speculation after sharing an intriguing observation on social media. He shared the picture of the team website, which had TBD written in front of No. 66 Truck.

“From the ThorSport Racing website, it appears as though Connor Jones will not return to ThorSport Racing in 2025 — which had Jones listed as the driver of the No. 66 as recently as December 27,” Srigley tweeted. This revelation has left fans buzzing about the future of the 18-year-old driver.

It’s worth noting that Jones has made more than 20 starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In 2024, he made 13 race starts and earned six top-20 finishes. He improved his average finish from his debut season to 22.5. While his teammates earned a total of three wins for the squad, he failed to make a single top-10 appearance.

However, his 2024 journey was overshadowed by his aggressive on-track behaviors. His troubles began with a controversial incident at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October. He deliberately crashed his truck into Matt Mills’ vehicle. This collision forced Mills into the walls while his car burst into flames. Mills, who suffered minor injuries, went to the hospital briefly. NASCAR handed Jones a one-race suspension and a two-lap penalty during the race.

Despite the disciplinary action, Jones failed to keep himself calm. Just a month later, Jones found himself in another scuffle. During the South Carolina 400, a crash involving Jones and Mason Diaz escalated into a physical brawl. The video of this went viral on social media, raising scrutiny over Jones’ immature antics. While some view his fiery nature as a sign of passion, others see it as a lack of maturity and discipline.

Despite his controversies, Connor Jones has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his young career. He is the 2023 World Series of Asphalt Pro Late Model Champion. Jones also boasts an impressive three wins in the World Series of Asphalt and three victories in the CARS Tour Series. However, his aggressive behavior often overshadows his success on the track.

Did ThorSport Racing take disciplinary action?

The rumored departure of Connor Jones gains further weight from earlier comments made by Allison Thorson. In December 2024, the co-owner of ThorSport Racing spoke about her team’s culture and how they go ahead with young talents. She had revealed that the six-time (in the last 11 years) Truck series champion team has some seniors to mentor the young lads.

“There’s always learning curves. And sometimes, it’s a hard knock. Sometimes we agree with, ‘Hey, you shouldn’t have done that.’ Sometimes it’s like, ‘Oh, you know, there is some wiggle room.’ That’s what we like about our team we have veteran drivers to kind of shepherd and teach those younger drivers. And we have personnel and great guys to say, ‘Hey, buddy, that wasn’t a smart thing to do.’ Or say, ‘Hey, next time I would do this,’” she told Bob Pockrass.

Allison’s comments emphasized the team’s commitment to fostering young talent while maintaining a strong disciplinary framework. Although she didn’t say anything directly about his future, NASCAR fans are drawing their own conclusions. As for Connor Jones, his path in NASCAR remains uncertain. Whether the rumors about his departure from ThorSport Racing prove true or not, one thing is clear: his journey will continue to be a hot topic in the racing community.