Erik Jones, driving the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, spoke with the media on Wednesday as the team geared up for the highly anticipated Daytona 500. As adjustments to the postseason format shake up NASCAR’s schedule, Jones emphasized the heightened importance of the iconic race for the entire field, highlighting how the Erik Jones Daytona 500 hopes are colored by both new challenges and opportunities.
Postseason Format Elevates Stakes for Drivers
With the updated playoff standards this season, conversations around the garage suggest a renewed sense of prestige and pressure surrounding the Daytona 500. According to Jones, the significance of performing well at Daytona has intensified, as drivers are fully aware that every opportunity to secure points or a win may make a decisive difference in a campaign now even less predictable than before.
“Yeah, I think that’s a good way to think of it. I was kind of, I guess, milling over in my mind a little bit, what that change would be like for the (Daytona) 500. I think it does change the mindset a little bit of the guys that think this is maybe one of their only four shots in the year of winning. That changes a lot. I think the racing will be a little bit different. Guys (will) still be pushing to win, but you’re probably going to see some different moves of just trying to be in contention to win it. I’m excited about it. I’m happy to see what the points are this year and how the system’s going to work, and I think just enjoying whoever does get the chance to win this race Sunday, to really just get to enjoy being the 500 winner is pretty neat.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Aggression and Racing Style Under the New Format
The shift to the current points system appears likely to alter driving tactics throughout the race. While drivers remain eager for a win, Jones predicts more diversified approaches, with some focusing on maintaining contention all day, instead of relying on the “win and in” aspect of previous years.
“I think you’ll still see a lot of aggression towards the end, but I think you might just see different racing through the day. I think some of the guys that feel like this is going to be their only chance, here and Talladega, the few (drafting tracks) we do, that there’s probably more aggressive moves through the day to try to put themselves in position all day long. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the racing be a little bit different with it not being a win-and-in scenario (for the postseason).”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Returning from the Offseason and the Road Back to Form
After taking some time to unwind during the offseason, Jones explained how he mentally transitions back into competition, setting personal milestones and relying on key practice sessions to regain his racing rhythm before the big event.
“I think for me, I kind of pick a date in January, where it’s like, ‘okay, it’s time to go back into race and work mode,’ and it’s not, you know, vacation anymore, back in just the regular swing. I think I think some of that helps and just getting the mindset, right? But I really feel like until you get through the Duels tomorrow night, you’re still in just that weird mindset of not being totally comfortable yet and ready to go again. I feel like once you get through those and you’ve done some good, or at least one pit stop, and you’ve raced a little bit again, and know which car is going to do, you’re all the way back in. But even with the Clash, it doesn’t feel the same. So, it kind of takes through the Duels to get ready.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Team Dynamics and Support: Jimmie Johnson’s Role
With LEGACY MOTOR CLUB featuring NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson alongside Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, teamwork and strategy could play a key role. Jones commented on Johnson’s potential approach to supporting the team’s broader objectives, illustrating the collective mentality at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.
Working with New Crew Chief Justin Alexander
The addition of Justin Alexander as crew chief brought fresh dynamics to the No. 43 team. Jones noted that the biggest change was how communication now flows throughout the crew, requiring both adjustment and patience as everyone adapts to Alexander’s methods and expectations.
“Yeah, the test was good. The biggest thing is (that the) communication is so different, right? Not just between me and him (Justin Alexander, crew chief), but to the crew, as well, and what the guys are used to hearing. Those guys worked with Ben (Beshore, director of engineering, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB) for three years, really, so their communication change is probably bigger than mine. Ben and I had only worked together last year and felt like we kind of knew what we needed, but there’s still some learning for me. But the biggest thing is with the crew guys during practice, what the cadence of Justin is, what he’s asking for, what he’s needing from them. I think all of that is a little bit more challenging, but I feel like we’re getting there. Practice went pretty smooth for the most part today. It’s so low pressure, which is nice, nobody’s really thrashing in that session, so it kind of gives you a nice little warm up to it.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Rising Ambitions: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Sets Sights on Continued Improvement
The team’s confidence is on the rise, with Jones emphasizing that this is their third year collaborating with Toyota. Resources are significant, and expectations have grown steadily. Jones explained how this year, more than ever, the team is driven to deliver victories and elevate their competitive status.
“Yeah, I mean, they’re up. I think the whole process, if you look back at it, has taken longer than everybody’s wanted. This is year three for us with Toyota, and we want to be in contention. We spend a lot of time, a lot of money, and put a lot of effort in, so I think everybody wants to see that transition to being a contender. So, I think the expectations this year are definitely to win. How many? We’d like to win a few, but (expectations) have definitely risen.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Strategy Adjustments Driven by the Points System
Racing with an eye on consistency, rather than simply banking on race victories, has become a defining characteristic for teams like LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Jones reflected on past playoff scenarios and how this season’s structure gives teams like his a more promising path to success based on reliable performance.
“I think so. A couple of years ago, (in) 2022, we pointed our way well into the Playoffs, but there was, I want to say, at least 16 (winners) before the Playoffs and we missed out. But, we were like 12th in points where the Playoffs started. So, I feel like we’re fully capable of having a similar year to that, as we did in 2022, where we’re in contention and just running well in general. I think this format does reward the consistency that I think we can have, so I’m happy about that.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Legacy and Aspirations: The Significance of the No. 43 Car
Winning the Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the No. 43 carries unique weight, given its storied connection to Richard Petty and the Petty family. For Jones, etching his own history with the iconic car is about building a career that stands out for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and its loyal followers.
“I really just want to have a good career in (the No. 43 car). I’ve been in this car for a minute now, and we’ve been able to win, but we want to win more races. We’ll never match Richard (Petty)’s career, right? Frankly, at this point, probably don’t have enough time to have that sort of career, but I would love to add on a handful of wins, and just have a career that you look at in the No. 43 that would really stand out as someone other than what Richard did in it. That’s definitely my goal in this car, and Daytona would add right into that. A crown jewel win, and what it would mean for the Petty family, what it would mean for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, what it would mean for the No. 43 fans. There’s a lot of long-time No. 43 fans. I think it would be a pretty neat moment. Would definitely love to add that one on the list.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Building Drama and Consistency: More Stories Shaped by the New Format
Jones points to the all-encompassing nature of the updated system, where every race and every week carries added significance. This points structure means there’s no avenue for flukes, ensuring that those who make playoff runs have consistently performed throughout the season.
“Everything matters so much more now, right? You kind of looked at those (certain) weeks as the weeks where you really missed it, or you got caught in a wreck, it was kind of like, ‘whatever, we weren’t going have a chance to point our way in anyways, or we still have a shot to win here or whatever,’ to get in. Now, all those weeks are going to matter now. I’m excited. I think if you can get in ‘The Chase’ and be a part of it this year, on a true points format, I think it’s really rewarding. There definitely are no flukes in that system. And as you go through the postseason, there’s no flukes, and who goes deep into the postseason and who wins the championship. I’m excited to see who’s going to be in it and contend for it. I think the guy who hoists the trophy at Homestead (Miami Speedway) at the end of the year is going be feeling as rewarded as ever in quite a while.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Returning to Familiar Venues with Renewed Excitement
While Jones shared his anticipation for returning to Chicagoland Speedway, noting the track’s proximity to his roots and prior successes, the real challenge lies at Daytona, where the team’s offseason efforts will be tested against the sport’s toughest competitors.
Assessing Team Readiness and Practice Feedback
Practice runs at Daytona offered valuable insights, and Jones reported a productive session, emphasizing the value of a smooth run without complications. The team is targeting a solid qualifying effort for added momentum heading into the big race.
“I think so.You know, it was pretty straightforward.There weren’t any issues, nothing went wrong, which was good.So, we’ll see where we end up.We got some help on our laps to get some good laps.I’m just hoping, if we could qualify top 20 tonight, I think that’d be good for our group and what we what kind of effort we put into qualifying.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Approaching the Weekend with Optimism and Realism
Confidence remains high for Jones, even while acknowledging the fickle nature of superspeedway racing. Past experiences at Daytona, both promising and frustrating, inform a focused yet hopeful approach to the opening race weekend.
“Yeah, I always come in here with confidence high. I feel like I’ve always had strong runs in the (super)speedways and been in good positions to win. (The Daytona) 500’s been a tough one for me for some reason. Had a couple good runs here but have been caught up in a lot of incidents here, I don’t feel like of our own doing. We’d love for it all to work out and be in contention, but I always come here with confidence, knowing that I know what I need to do, and I think our cars are going be good as well.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Navigating NASCAR’s ‘Silly Season’ and Dedicating to Team Growth
The potential for significant driver movement in coming years is apparent, with Jones reiterating his commitment to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and optimism about the organization’s trajectory. This sense of stability could help foster results on the track amid an ever-changing competitive landscape.
“Yeah, from what I hear, is probably the most options for movement in a long time. There’s so many guys at this point that have been here a while, and they’re settled in their homes. There are guys that are on the last, maybe going into one of their last deals, so there’s a lot of things that are going to move here in the next couple of years. For me, this has been a home, a team that I think we’re growing and getting better. I don’t have any interest in moving around, but I think it’ll be interesting to see where things shake out, and with some of those top organizations is always interesting to see the routes they make.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
A Sense of Fate: Seeking a Change of Luck at Daytona 500
Reflecting on past years where misfortune limited his finishes despite capable cars, Jones takes a philosophical approach to luck while trusting in the team’s preparation and his own understanding of Daytona’s unique demands.
“I like to think of it that way. Maybe eventually, you just have good luck chips left. I think we’ll have a good car. I know what I need to do to be in contention and where I need to be at the end of the race. The racing has changed so much with fuel mileage and how we position ourselves with that. I just hope we’re in contention. I feel like last year, we had a really good car, and obviously ran well in the Duel, and we were running okay in the 500 and got caught in the wreck late and had a pit. It’d definitely be a great way to start the year off, but I feel like we’ve been in the right spot a lot, we just need to need to play out right for us.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Momentum from Prior Daytona Results Bolsters Confidence
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s strong runs last year, with multiple cars inside the top five, underscore the potential for another impressive showing. Jones stressed that race execution and pit strategy will be vital in turning that speed into a breakout finish.
“Yeah, I think all three of us would have been up there without our damage. We had fast cars last year, and I think we have as good of cars this year. It’s a little early to tell until we get in the Duels tomorrow night to see how (the car) does in traffic, but I think the speed will be there. I think we just need to execute well on pit road and strategy and put ourselves in the right spot. And from there, hope things just fall your way a little bit. But there’s a lot you can do on your end, too, to put yourself in a good position.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Qualifying and Stage Points Take on Greater Importance
With the points system rewarding consistency, teams now view qualifying as an essential piece of the postseason puzzle. Jones described the emphasis on scoring stage points at every opportunity and being proactive throughout the entirety of superspeedway events.
“I think qualifying’s always been important. But the stage points and what you do in these (super)speedways, I think becomes more important. You look at the stretch to the Chase and what you have do to put yourself in position. I don’t feel like you can ride around (here) and just decide not to take stage points all day. You have to be in contention here all day long to be racing for stage points and gaining them, and that’s going to be every week. I think we’ve been trying to get better qualifying. It’s been a big emphasis for us and we’re already thinking a lot about it. I think this will just be more of a continuation of that.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Adjusting to a Full-Season Focus on Points
For some in the field, shifting away from chasing single race-winning moments towards season-long consistency is a big change, while others like Jones have already built years of experience in that style of racing out of necessity.
“It’s a little bit of a shift, definitely a mindset shift. Maybe not as much for team like us, honestly, because we kind of had the points race a little bit and hope that we could be in the top 16 and point our way in, because we couldn’t really count on a win. The top, big three teams, I think they’re always kind of counting on a race win before we get to Daytona for the cutoff. I think that mindset shifts a little bit bigger than what maybe a team like ours is. We’ve been points racing for years, at least I have when just trying to make the Playoffs every season. I think the guys that get multiple race wins a year, they’re probably going to have to have a little bit more of that shift.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Identifying and Overcoming Team Challenges
Jones spoke candidly about LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s ongoing efforts to improve road course results, which have been an ongoing challenge with the latest generation of race cars. Progress in this area could add crucial playoff points later in the year.
“Well, for us, it’s been any road course. It’s been challenging the last few years with this car. We just haven’t really got a good program going yet, so that’s been our biggest challenge.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Honoring Team Spirit: The Role of Kellen Mills
Jones highlighted the contributions of Kellen Mills, the jackman for the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE, who received the inaugural Richard Petty Award for Excellence. Mills’ dedication and positivity exemplify the internal culture LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is working to build as it seeks greater success on the track.
“He’s always the motivator. We chatted a little bit internally about what that award (Richard Petty Award for Excellence) meant. It’s the guy who’s taking the extra time out of the day to make somebody’s day at the track a little bit better, and I think Kellen (Mills, jackman, No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE) has always embodied that. I was excited for him, I think it’s a great thing. It sounds a lot better than employee of the month (laughs). I think he really was deserving of the first one, and I’m excited to see it. It’s a great thing, honestly, to have internally. He doesn’t do (that stuff) because he wanted to win that award, that’s just who he is.”
— Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Driver
Looking Ahead: A New Era at Daytona 500
With the Daytona 500 signaling the start of a pivotal NASCAR season shaped by new rules and rising expectations, Erik Jones and the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team are eager to convert preparation and teamwork into breakthrough results. Their path forward involves leveraging consistency, capitalizing on the Erik Jones Daytona 500 opportunity, and honoring the storied No. 43’s legacy all the while. As Jones and his team confront the challenges of the season ahead, their focus on communication, resilience, and historical significance positions them as compelling contenders under NASCAR’s evolving landscape.
