Erik Benjamin Jones Bio
Erik Benjamin Jones, born May 30, 1996, is an American professional stock car racing driver competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE for Legacy Motor Club. Known by his nicknames EJ and That Jones Boy, Jones has made a significant impact in NASCAR, including winning the 2022 Southern 500 and being the first driver to earn Rookie of the Year honors in all three NASCAR national series.
Early Life and Background
Erik Jones was born in Byron, Michigan, and graduated from Swartz Creek Academy. He began racing at the age of seven in quarter-midget cars and transitioned to stock car racing by age 13. Jones quickly made a name for himself in short track racing, winning the Oktoberfest race at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway as the youngest-ever winner. He also won the Champion Racing Association’s CRA All-Star Tour championship in his rookie year and claimed victory at the Governor’s Cup 200 late model race at New Smyrna Speedway.
Jones’s early success included winning the prestigious Snowball Derby in 2012 and being named the winner again in 2013 after a disqualification. His early exposure to racing and consistent performance laid a strong foundation for his professional career.
Path to NASCAR
Jones began competing in the ARCA Racing Series in 2012, becoming the youngest driver to compete at age fifteen. He won his first ARCA race at Berlin Raceway in 2013. He made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in 2013 with Kyle Busch Motorsports, becoming the youngest winner in the series’ history at seventeen years old. Jones continued to develop his skills in the Truck Series, winning the championship in 2015.
His success in the Truck Series led to opportunities in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and eventually the Cup Series. Jones’s progression through the ranks was marked by multiple Rookie of the Year awards and key wins that showcased his talent and adaptability.
Erik Benjamin Jones Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Jones’s early NASCAR career began in the Camping World Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports, where he quickly made an impact by winning multiple races and securing the 2015 championship. He also competed part-time in the Xfinity Series, winning his first race at Texas Motor Speedway in 2015. These years were crucial for his development, as he gained experience and demonstrated his potential against seasoned competitors.
During this period, Jones earned the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year in 2015 and the Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year in 2016, highlighting his rapid rise through NASCAR’s national series.
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2015–2020)
Jones made his Cup Series debut in 2015, initially filling in for injured drivers and gaining valuable experience. In 2017, he secured the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year award. Driving for Furniture Row Racing in the No. 77 car, Jones showed promise with strong performances, including a dominant run at Bristol where he led 260 laps.
In 2018, Jones won his first Cup Series race at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, a victory that secured his spot in the playoffs. He followed this with a second career win at Darlington in 2019. Despite some setbacks, including mechanical issues and on-track incidents, Jones remained a competitive presence in the series.
Jones’s tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing ended in 2020, marking the conclusion of a long-standing relationship. That year, he won the Busch Clash and competed full-time but missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season.
Legacy Motor Club Era (2021–Present)
In 2021, Jones joined Richard Petty Motorsports, driving the iconic No. 43 car, which later became part of Legacy Motor Club. He secured a notable win at the 2022 Southern 500, marking the first victory for Petty GMS Racing since 2014 and the 200th overall for the No. 43 team. Jones has consistently delivered top-ten finishes and demonstrated resilience despite challenges such as penalties and injuries.
In 2023 and 2024, Jones continued to compete strongly, earning multiple top-five and top-ten finishes. He suffered a compression fracture in 2024 but returned to racing after recovery. Jones extended his contract with Legacy Motor Club, signaling a commitment to the team’s future.
Driving Style and Strengths
Erik Jones is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, excelling on intermediate tracks and superspeedways. His racecraft includes strong restarts and strategic pit decisions. Jones has developed effective partnerships with his crew chiefs, contributing to consistent performances and race wins.
Notable Races and Milestones
Jones’s signature victories include the 2018 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona and the 2022 Southern 500 at Darlington. He is recognized for leading a majority of laps in races like Bristol and for being the first driver to win Rookie of the Year honors in all three NASCAR national series, a unique career milestone.
Erik Benjamin Jones Career Wins
Jones has accumulated multiple wins across NASCAR’s national series, including the Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series. His victories highlight his versatility and competitiveness at various levels of stock car racing.
Camping World Truck Series Highlights
Jones won the 2015 Camping World Truck Series championship, securing multiple race wins that season. His early success in the Truck Series established him as a rising star and earned him the Rookie of the Year award.
Xfinity Series Highlights
Jones earned several wins in the Xfinity Series, including his first at Texas Motor Speedway in 2015. He won multiple races in 2016, including Bristol and Dover, and finished fourth in the championship standings that year. Jones also competed part-time in the series in later years, maintaining strong performances.
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
Jones’s first Cup Series win came in 2018 at Daytona. He followed with a win at Darlington in 2019 and a landmark victory at the 2022 Southern 500. These wins secured playoff berths and underscored his ability to compete at the highest level.
Erik Benjamin Jones Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Erik Jones is the son of Dave and Carol Jones. He has a younger sister named Lindsey. While not from a long line of professional racers, Jones’s family supported his early racing endeavors, contributing to his development as a driver.
Personal Life
Jones resides in Cornelius, North Carolina. He is married to race car driver Holly Shelton, with their wedding taking place in August 2023. The couple has a son named David Wayne Jones. Jones is also known for his interest in reading and hosts a book club called Erik’s Reading Circle, engaging with fans and promoting literacy.
2025 Season Performance
Jones began the 2025 season with a twelfth-place finish at the Daytona 500. He faced challenges including a disqualification at Martinsville due to car weight issues. Despite these setbacks, Jones remains a competitive driver for Legacy Motor Club, aiming to improve his standings and secure strong finishes throughout the season.
With a new crew chief for the final races of 2024 and a multi-year contract extension, Jones is positioned to continue his growth and contribute to his team’s success in upcoming seasons.
