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via Getty

via Getty

NASCAR star and teammate of Hailie Deegan has found himself in the hot seat this week after CARS Tour officials benched him for a probation violation. While the engines were revving and fans were cheering, one careless move and suddenly, the spotlight wasn’t as welcoming.

The 17-year-old whiz, already making waves in the ARCA Menards Series, recently inked a multi-race deal with ThorSport Racing. This golden ticket, however, got a bit tarnished at South Boston Speedway. The No. 44 LMSC driver’s seemingly brazen behavior on track led to an unexpected pit stop: a one-race suspension.

From Golden Ticket to Suspension

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According to the strict guidelines of Section 1A of the Penalties chapter, Conner Jones’s “rough driving” and actions detrimental to the series’ reputation, were the proverbial straw. As a result, the Virginia native will be warming the benches during the upcoming race at Tri-County Speedway on October 21.

The official statement posted by CARS Tour on X, stated:

“CARS Tour officials have issued a one-race suspension to driver Conner Jones for a probation violation during last Saturday’s event at South Boston Speedway.

Jones, who is currently on probation for a conduct infraction incurred in August, was deemed to be in violation of this probation by rough driving and actions detrimental to the CARS Tour as stated in Section 1A of the Penalties chapter of the rulebook.

Jones will serve the suspension during the CARS Tour race at Tri-County Speedway on October 21.”

Last Saturday, he evidently crossed the line, leading to an incident involving fellow racers Blake Stallings and Ronnie Bassett Jr. The fallout? A swift and strict decision by the CARS Tour. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Hailie Deegan Admits to Trust Issues With NASCAR Inspired by Tony Stewart

What did the troubled friend of Hailie Deegan have to say about all this? 

Troubled Teammate of Hailie Deegan issues his statement

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Jones’s recent contract with ThorSport Racing and his association with Hailie Deegan is now being looked at with skeptical eyes. The teen made his Truck Series debut with a bang back in Martinsville this April, making history as the youngest driver for ThorSport Racing to grace the track since 1996. But with this recent infraction, is his career taking a detour before it truly begins? That remains to be seen. However, Jones made his own attempt to make things right. 

He issued an apology, stating: 

“I want to apologize to Kip Childress, Jack McNally, the entire CARS Tour staff, and my competitors for my actions under caution, which resulted in my suspension for one race. I understand that my actions put others at risk, and for that, I apologize.”

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A heartfelt apology or a desperate attempt to steer back into NASCAR’s good graces? Only time will tell.

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READ MORE: “The Truck Series Is So F*cked”- Hailie Deegan’s Teammate Forcing CARS Tour’s Hand Worries Racing Fandom on Dale Jr’s Big Day

After all, in the fast-paced world of racing, it’s not just about how quick you drive but also how wisely you navigate the bumps along the way. Will Jones keep his eyes on the prize or find himself on a detour to obscurity? Only time will tell. Until then, fasten your seatbelts; the ride is only going to get bumpier.