NASCAR driver trapped in burning car felt a man pull him out — and knew instantly it was his dad

Fathers are the heroes who may not confess their love too often, but they would trade everything to ensure your safety. This was proven when Dean Jones, father of Mike Jones, a race car driver, ran onto the track to pull his son out of the burning vehicle. Mike was competing in the NASCAR Late Model 100 race when his car, vehicle no. 39, burst into flames following a collision. It all happened within seconds, and before the crew could act, his father, Dean, ran onto the track, rescuing his son out of the fire-engulfed car.

"I just had a single focus: Getting my son out of that burning car, nothing else mattered," Mr. Dean told NBC News. He said the accident destroyed Mike's racing car beyond repair, leaving the duo unsure if or when they would be able to race again. Following a collision with a competitor, Mike's car collided head-on with a wall, and then, as the fuel leaked, his vehicle caught fire. "I could see someone jump over the wall in a white shirt, and if I had to place my bet at that moment in time, I figured it was going to be him," Mike told ABC News.

Dean, who also happened to be the team's crew chief, didn't realize his split-second decision to save his son would come at a cost. Running onto an active racing track meant he'd broken an important rule, which could land him in serious legal trouble. According to media reports, South Boston (Va.) Speedway had put Dean on probation for violating track policy. "Mr. Jones will not be fined nor suspended," South Boston Speedway said in a statement. 

Despite the probation, Dean said nothing could stop him from saving his son, and that he would do it again in a heartbeat. Meanwhile, reacting to Dean Jones' incredible act of bravery, a person, @jaydenlynn9391, commented, "Give me a break; he was saving his son. He did nothing wrong. Great job, Dad; you did the right thing 100%. To hell with the crew; they take too long. Bet your sweet a** I would be doing the same thing. That's my child." A user who goes by @katarinas commented, "That is a real father. He should not be reprimanded for doing what any decent parent would do for their children. In incidents like that, people react instinctively. Good on him for being a father who truly loves his son, obviously more than life itself."

Similarly, @chozenterry said, "Just imagine the car caught on fire and the safety team wasn't there first; Dad had to jump the barrier, and he got there first to rescue his son from a burning car, and you guys are talking about fines and breaking rules. There's a life at stake, and if breaking the rules meant saving his son, then I'm all for it. I'd rather break the rules and save a life than just stand there and watch him burn. Risking one's life for another — that's real love. Go, Dad!" Echoing the sentiments, @paltryshelf816 wrote, "The dad is brave. Getting probation for getting on the track to save his son is not right; the dad deserves to be a hero." Another user, @catblue7065, commented, "As a parent, I would have done the same thing and thought about the rules afterward. Bravo! Wish all parents loved their children this much."