NASCAR driver Erik Jones defends medical treatment following wreck at Talladega WSB-TV Channel 2 [Video]

DOVER, Del. — (AP) — Erik Jones was in agony the instant his Toyota slammed into the outside wall on a late wreck last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The 27-year-old Jones — as sturdy as NASCAR drivers come, having never missed a Cup race over seven-plus seasons — radioed to his team he was hurt.

“I, I don’t, I don’t know if I’m alright,” Jones groaned. “I need help.”

Help arrived.

Jones’ adrenaline was flowing and the Legacy Motor Club driver exited the car on his own. He was taken by ambulance to the track’s infield care center, examined and checked out in about 10 minutes. He even appeared pain-free as he calmly, plainly described the crash that destroyed the No. 43 Toyota.

It didn’t take long for a harsh reality to sink in. Jones returned to his motorhome and excruciating pain shot through his back. He needed a second visit to the care center and a trip to the hospital, where …