History of Erik Jones in Timeline

Erik Jones is an American professional stock car racing driver currently competing in the NASCAR Cup Series for Legacy Motor Club, driving the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE. Known by nicknames like "EJ" and "That Jones Boy," he previously spent his entire NASCAR and ARCA career with Toyota, becoming the 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion as part of their driver development program. After a brief stint away, he returned to Toyota in 2023 when Legacy Motor Club switched to Toyota.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1995: M. Skinner

In 1995, M. Skinner

1996: R. Hornaday Jr.

In 1996, R. Hornaday Jr.

1997: J. Sprague

In 1997, J. Sprague

1998: R. Hornaday Jr.

In 1998, R. Hornaday Jr.

1999: J. Sprague

In 1999, J. Sprague

2000: G. Biffle

In 2000, G. Biffle

2001: J. Sprague

In 2001, J. Sprague

2002: M. Bliss

In 2002, M. Bliss

2003: T. Kvapil

In 2003, T. Kvapil

2004: B. Hamilton

In 2004, B. Hamilton

2005: T. Musgrave

In 2005, T. Musgrave

2006: T. Bodine

In 2006, T. Bodine

2007: R. Hornaday Jr.

In 2007, R. Hornaday Jr.

2008: J. Benson Jr.

In 2008, J. Benson Jr.

2009: R. Hornaday Jr.

In 2009, R. Hornaday Jr.

2010: T. Bodine

In 2010, T. Bodine

2011: A. Dillon

In 2011, A. Dillon

2012: Relationship with JGR

In 2012, Erik Jones started a long-time relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR).

2012: J. Buescher

In 2012, J. Buescher

2013: M. Crafton

In 2013, M. Crafton

June 6, 2014: High School Graduation

On June 6, 2014, Erik Jones received his high school diploma at Texas Motor Speedway before the WinStar World Casino 400K Camping World Truck Series race.

2014: M. Crafton

In 2014, M. Crafton

2015: E. Jones

In 2015, E. Jones

2016: J. Sauter

In 2016, J. Sauter

2017: C. Bell

In 2017, C. Bell

2018: B. Moffitt

In 2018, B. Moffitt

2019: M. Crafton

In 2019, M. Crafton

April 2020: Erik's Reading Circle

In April 2020, Erik Jones started a series on Facebook called Erik's Reading Circle where he reads children's books and takes suggestions. He also hosts a book club on his website.

August 2020: Parting Ways with JGR

In August 2020, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announced they would be parting ways with Erik Jones at the end of the season after Leavine Family Racing announced the sale of their team.

October 21, 2020: Joining Richard Petty Motorsports

On October 21, 2020, Erik Jones was confirmed to drive the No. 43 entry for Richard Petty Motorsports in 2021, replacing Bubba Wallace.

2020: Top-Five Finish

In 2020, Erik Jones had his first top-five finish since then when he finished third at Fontana.

2020: Winless Season and Playoff Miss

In 2020, Erik Jones went winless for the first time since his rookie season in 2017 and finished 17th in points after missing the playoffs due to a wreck at Daytona.

2020: S. Creed

In 2020, S. Creed

August 22, 2021: Staying with No. 43 and Sponsorship

On August 22, 2021, it was revealed that Erik Jones would remain in the No. 43 for the 2022 season and would be sponsored by FocusFactor in 26 races.

2021: B. Rhodes

In 2021, B. Rhodes

2022: Victory at Cook Out Southern 500

In 2022, Erik Jones won the Cook Out Southern 500.

2022: RPM Purchase, Top-Five Finish, and Win at Darlington

In 2022, Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM) was purchased by GMS Racing to form Petty GMS. Erik Jones scored his first top-five since 2020 at Fontana and won at Darlington, giving Petty GMS its first win and the No. 43 its first win since 2014.

2022: Z. Smith

In 2022, Z. Smith

August 2, 2023: Marriage to Holly Shelton

On August 2, 2023, Erik Jones married race car driver Holly Shelton.

2023: B. Rhodes

In 2023, B. Rhodes

2023: 2023 Season Performance

In 2023, Erik Jones started the season with Guns N' Roses sponsoring the No. 43 for the Daytona 500. He earned his third consecutive sixth-place finish at Talladega and faced an L1 penalty. He ended the season 27th in points with seven top-10s and one top-5.

2024: 2024 Season and Injury

In 2024, Erik Jones started the season with an eighth-place finish in the Daytona 500. He suffered a compression fracture at Talladega and missed Dover. He extended his contract at Legacy, finishing 28th in points.

2024: T. Majeski

In 2024, T. Majeski

2025: 2025 Season Start and Disqualification

In 2025, Erik Jones started the season with a 12th place finish at the Daytona 500. He was later disqualified following the spring Martinsville race due to the car failing to meet minimum weight requirements.