Erik Jones will mark a remarkable achievement this Sunday as he takes the green flag for his 300th NASCAR Cup Series start at Texas Motor Speedway, confirming his place among the sport’s most enduring competitors. Racing as the driver of the No. 43 Toyota for Legacy Motor Club, Jones joins a distinguished circle of veterans who have withstood the intensity and demands of top-level American stock car racing over hundreds of races.
Since debuting in the Cup Series at Kansas Speedway in 2015, when he stepped in for Denny Hamlin, Erik Jones has worked tirelessly to solidify his reputation. Now 28 years old, Jones has collected three Cup wins, including two celebrated victories in the Southern 500, and achieved a Truck Series championship in 2015. His career in the Xfinity Series has also been rewarding, with nine wins to his name, earning him respect and recognition across the NASCAR landscape.
Reflecting on his upcoming milestone, Jones acknowledged the effort and commitment it has required, sharing via social media,
Being around this long isn’t easy,
as he noted the privilege of being one of only 36 drivers who compete all season. Such reflections underscore the competitive nature of the sport and the personal sacrifices demanded of its drivers.
Jones recently faced adversity at Martinsville Speedway, where he was disqualified following the Cook Out 400. His No. 43 Toyota did not meet the necessary weight requirements, resulting in a tough penalty that stripped away his strong stage one finish and demoted him to a P38 result. Legacy Motor Club, owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson, decided not to appeal the disqualification, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the sport’s standards and moving forward stronger as a team.
The Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway is set for a 3:30 PM Eastern start, airing live on FOX Sports 1, PRN, and SiriusXM, providing a broad platform for Erik Jones to celebrate this special moment in front of fans nationwide. As Jones looks to the future, reaching the 300th start not only highlights his perseverance but also sets the stage for the next chapter in his career, inspiring both his peers and the next generation of racers.
