Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 Toyota Camry for Legacy Motor Club, significantly improved his position during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway on March 8, 2026. Starting 32nd, Jones battled through early difficulties and an attrition-heavy race to secure a top-10 finish, marking a key step in recovering from a challenging start to the season.
Jones began 2026 with disappointing results, finishing 21st at the Daytona 500 after a last-lap spin involving Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell, followed by 24th at EchoPark Speedway, and 34th at the Circuit of the Americas. These outcomes left him without a top-20 finish early on and sitting 34th in the points standings heading into Phoenix. The team’s clear objective was to break this streak and begin climbing back in the rankings.
Jones Battles Back After Rough Start to Race
Due to his standing, Jones qualified near the back, starting 32nd out of 37 cars. In the opening stage, he gained several positions but encountered a vibration issue that caused him to fall back. The race’s initial stage ran without cautions, allowing leader Ryan Blaney to lap Jones, who ended the stage 30th and a lap down. However, Jones started the second stage back on the lead lap.
Midway through the race, a caution triggered by Chase Briscoe crashing from third place allowed Jones to regain a lap. Despite his car reporting problems with “fall off” in handling but performing better on acceleration, Jones maintained steady improvements. During Lap 132, Jones was awarded the lucky dog free pass, pushing him back onto the lead lap.
The final segment of the race was marked by six cautions, including multiple serious wrecks, uncommon for Phoenix. Jones avoided these incidents skillfully and moved forward through the field, aided by precise pit stops under caution periods.
Ryan Blaney Claims Season’s First Victory at Phoenix
Jones’ strong race contrasted with the eventual winner, Ryan Blaney, who secured his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of 2026 at Phoenix. While Blaney led much of the event, Jones’ climb through a chaotic race illustrated the resilience of the No. 43 team. Crossing the finish line in 10th place, Jones achieved his best-ever result at Phoenix with this car, climbing from 34th to 28th in the driver standings.
Man we needed that. Still have places we need to improve but the whole 43 team battled for that top 10. #teamtoyota pic.twitter.com/7EuharACwn— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) March 8, 2026
Legacy Motor Club’s Strategy and Team Performance
Jones’ recovery was also supported by efficient pit work throughout the race, especially during caution periods. Teammate John Hunter Nemechek, running the No. 42 car, showcased a fresh look with Mobil 1 colors and the iconic Pegasus on his Toyota Camry. Nemechek maintained a competitive car most of the day but was involved in a late crash, ending his race in 25th place.
Caution out on lap 287. JHN is in P18 and tells the team he needs grip. Erik Jones, in P14, says he needs to be freed up. Both cars pit for 4 tires & fuel. pic.twitter.com/qTJcnkyy99— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) March 8, 2026
Other Notable Performances in Phoenix Racing
In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Jeremy Clements also sought to improve after a slow start at Phoenix, where he began the season 30th in points. Starting 21st in the NOAPS event, Clements ran most of the race within the top 10, scoring a stage point and ultimately finishing 11th, moving up in the standings. However, late contact with Sammy Smith disrupted his progress, a point of frustration for Clements after the race.
Jeremy Clements brings it home in 11th but was not happy with Sammy Smith, saying he owes his one. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/no1MS5Ysdj— Bryan Nolen (@TheBryanNolen) March 8, 2026
Clements is set to carry this momentum forward to the next race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, along with Erik Jones and other Legacy Motor Club drivers competing to improve their early-season positions.
Prospects for Upcoming Las Vegas Race
Following his top-10 finish at Phoenix, Erik Jones aims to capitalize on this performance during the upcoming contest at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the concluding event of NASCAR’s West Coast stretch. Jones has previously experienced mixed results at Las Vegas, including a notable eighth-place finish in the 2022 playoff race, and will look to advance further this season.
Continuing to build consistency will be critical for Jones and Legacy Motor Club as they seek to climb the points standings and contend more strongly in the ongoing NASCAR Cup Series campaign.
walking into Phoenix to grab some points that belong to us pic.twitter.com/q8aw1QI5yq
— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) March 4, 2026
Caution out again on Lap 132. The 43 will get the lucky dog this time. Jones tells the team “fall off is bad, fires off fine.” Was faster overall on the last run. pic.twitter.com/sBU5PLubf1
— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) March 8, 2026
Man we needed that. Still have places we need to improve but the whole 43 team battled for that top 10. #teamtoyota pic.twitter.com/7EuharACwn
— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) March 8, 2026
.@JClements51 straight up passing William Byron on speed for a spot in the top five on a one-mile track? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/9hfXrLEf9b
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) March 8, 2026
Jeremy Clements brings it home in 11th but was not happy with Sammy Smith, saying he owes his one. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/no1MS5Ysdj
— Bryan Nolen (@TheBryanNolen) March 8, 2026
Caution out on lap 287. JHN is in P18 and tells the team he needs grip. Erik Jones, in P14, says he needs to be freed up. Both cars pit for 4 tires & fuel. pic.twitter.com/qTJcnkyy99
— LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (@LEGACYMotorClub) March 8, 2026
