Legacy Motor Club is preparing for a major shift in its competitive operations as it enters the next racing season with three full-time cars. In a central move to elevate team performance, the organization has appointed Justin Alexander as the new crew chief for Erik Jones’ No. 43 Toyota, marking an important Erik Jones crew chief change ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Justin Alexander Takes Over No. 43 Pit Box
Justin Alexander will bring his extensive experience back to Cup Series competition, having spent over a decade with Richard Childress Racing. His assignment as crew chief for Erik Jones begins in 2026, following the move of Ben Beshore to Director of Race Engineering. Beshore had overseen Jones’ car since October 2024, stepping in after Dave Elenz’ departure, and led the No. 43 team to four top-five results during the 2025 season—Jones’ best tally since 2020 at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Track Record of Success for Alexander
During his tenure at Richard Childress Racing, Alexander worked alongside Austin Dillon and achieved five Cup Series wins, highlighted by marquee victories at the 2018 Daytona 500 and 2017 Coca-Cola 600. After leaving RCR earlier in 2025, Alexander took a break to refocus and spend time with family before joining Legacy Motor Club midway through the year.
“Came over to Legacy about midway through this past year. Just started doing things for them, helping them out. Really found a good home over here. And really enjoying it being here. The opportunity became available.”
— Justin Alexander, Crew Chief
“One of the deals where I feel like I can use my experience that all these years been on the box to help the team out. It was a good fit. We shuffled a few things around, and we made the company stronger as a whole. So I think it’s going to work great,”
he added. — Justin Alexander, Crew Chief
“It was a good fit and we shuffled a few things around and I think we made the company stronger as a whole.”
— Justin Alexander, Crew Chief
Organizational Changes Support Team Growth
Alexander’s transition is part of a larger plan as Legacy Motor Club expands to a three-car lineup. This internal reorganization aims to both utilize and develop experienced talent, forming a firm foundation for future growth. Beshore’s promotion to an engineering leadership post reflects this broader strategy, designed to strengthen the team beyond just the pit wall.
Alexander acknowledges that while the team must still prepare rigorously for further expansion, these adjustments are anticipated to foster sustainable progress and enable Legacy to stay competitive in the Cup Series.
Erik Jones Looks to Build on Recent Momentum
Jones made strides last season, finishing 24th in points—a clear improvement after placing 28th the previous year, a result that signals Legacy’s ongoing adaptation to Toyota machinery. Since his surprising Southern 500 triumph at Darlington Raceway in 2022, Jones has not visited Victory Lane or qualified for the playoffs. Nevertheless, with Alexander’s proven experience and the strengthened support structure at Legacy Motor Club, Jones has increasing prospects for improved results as the team launches its ambitious three-car program.
Future Outlook for Legacy and the No. 43 Team
The appointment of Justin Alexander as crew chief introduces new energy and a track record of success to the No. 43 car at a crucial stage for Legacy Motor Club. As the team broadens its lineup and reinforces its engineering core, both Jones and the organization are poised for a competitive leap that could impact both their performance and standing in the Cup Series as the 2026 season approaches.
🗣️ "It was a good fit and we shuffled a few things around and I think we made the company stronger as a whole."
🔧 Justin Alexander explains why @LEGACYMotorClub presented the right opportunity for him to return to the pit box with @erik_jones.
More → https://t.co/WGRTG5gnEd pic.twitter.com/5hYAxZFHx8
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) January 6, 2026
