Imago
Erik Jones
Imago
Erik Jones
Erik Jones will not drive for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) next season, it was announced on Thursday. The 24-year-old is currently in his fourth season in NASCAR Cup Series. His current contract was a one-year deal signed after last season.
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Jones has two race wins in the Cup Series, at the Daytona International Speedway in 2018 and last season at the Darlington Raceway. The youngster has also raced in the Xfinity Series in 2016. He won four races that season.
Jones joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2018, after spending his rookie season with Furniture Row Racing. The two teams had an alliance and Erik Jones moved to Joe Gibbs Racing, driving the No. 20 car.
4-year association ends with Joe Gibbs Racing
Jones currently lies in 18th place in the Cup Series points standings with six races to go in the regular season. His best finish so far was 15th back in 2018.
Erik Jones will not return to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021 #RaceHub pic.twitter.com/Njmjkr6PJv
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) August 6, 2020
“I greatly appreciate the opportunity that JGR provided me with over the last four years, and I wish the team nothing but success and good fortune,” Jones said in a team statement.
“JGR gave me a solid foundation from which to go out and compete at the highest level and I look forward to building on that in the years to come,” he added.
Jones has been associated with Toyota for eight years now. His first taste of racing in the national series was in the NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series in 2013.
Job still not done for Erik Jones at JGR
“We appreciate all Erik has done for Joe Gibbs Racing over the past several years,” team owner Joe Gibbs expressed.
“He joined us as a teenager and has accomplished so much in his time here, and we remain focused on the remainder of this season and earning him a spot in the playoffs,” Gibbs added.
“Erik has been an incredible friend to Toyota throughout the last eight years. We know Erik will continue to do great things in this sport and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors,” said Ed Laukes, Group Vice President, Marketing, Toyota Motor North America.
“We will certainly continue to follow his career and will be there to congratulate him as he continues to succeed,” he added.
Just moments after the announcement, there were reports that Christopher Bell is all set to replace Jones in the No. 20 car at Joe Gibbs Racing.
SOURCE- NASCAR, Twitter- FOX: NASCAR
