STATESVILLE, NC — One of the Mitten’s own is locked into a ride in the NASCAR Cup Series for a couple more years.
On Tuesday, Aug. 13, Legacy Motor Club (LMC} announced it’s signed Erik Jones, of Byron, to a multi-year contract extension. No official terms of the contract have been released, but the deal has Jones driving the No. 43 Toyota Camry through at least the 2026 season.
“Erik is one of the most talented drivers in NASCAR,” LMC co-owner and seven-time NCS champion Jimmie Johnson said in a release. “I’ve had the chance to race against him and have had a chance to watch him drive for other teams and (LMC). I admire his talent and am glad we will have him race for us for the upcoming years. Erik will be a key to helping us turn our program around and we look forward to giving him the tools he needs to go out on Sundays and race for wins and eventually a championship someday.”
The 28-year-old is in his eighth full-time season in the Cup Series, and fourth with the team formerly known as Richard Petty Motorsports.
Jones has earned 89 top-10 and 27 top-five finishes, along with three victories. His last win came in September 2022 at Darlington Raceway. The former Joe Gibbs Racing driver won three Rookie of the Year honors in all of NASCAR’s top three divisions, including in the Cup Series in 2017 with Furniture Row Racing.
The contract announcement comes right before Jones’ home race, as the Cup Series is set for its annual return to Michigan International Speedway this weekend.
“I’m looking forward to what we can build at Legacy Motor Club,” Jones said. “I’ve been with the No. 43 car for a handful of years and feel like I’m coming into some of the best years of my career. I am hoping to grow alongside Legacy M.C. in the seasons to come.”
Heading into MIS, Jones is outside of a playoff spot with just three races left in the regular season, sitting 28th in points. He had to miss two races after suffering an injury during a race at Talladega Superspeedway back in March. Jones did receive a medical waiver from NASCAR to stay eligible for the postseason despite having to miss races.
RELATED: Michigan native Erik Jones to miss NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover due to injury
He’ll likely need to win one of the last three regular season races to qualify for the playoffs.
Jones is one of three Michigan drivers at the Cup Series level, alongside Rochester Hills driver Brad Keselowski and Portage rookie Carson Hocevar.
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Publish date : 2024-08-13 08:58:00
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