Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Erik Benjamin Jones |
Birth Place | Byron, Michigan, USA |
Birth Date | May 30, 1996 |
Height | Not publicly available |
Weight | Not publicly available |
Parents | Dave Jones (father), Carol Jones (mother) |
Nationality | American |
Net Worth | $3 million |
Salary | Not publicly available |
Relationship/Spouse | Holly Shelton (married August 2, 2023) |
Children | Son: David Wayne Jones (born November 27, 2024) |
Profession | Professional Stock Car Racing Driver |
Team | Legacy Motor Club (No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro, NASCAR Cup Series) |
Erik Jones
Erik Benjamin Jones, born May 30, 1996, in Byron, Michigan, is an American professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series. He drives the iconic No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro for Legacy Motor Club, a car number famously associated with NASCAR legend Richard Petty. Known by nicknames such as “EJ” and “That Jones Boy,” Jones is respected for his smooth driving style and competitive spirit.
Early Life and Background
Jones’s passion for racing began early, starting quarter-midget racing at age seven. He quickly excelled in local and regional competitions, progressing to stock car racing at age 13. His talent emerged through his victories in late-model series, including the Champion Racing Association’s All-Star Tour championship in his rookie year. Jones balanced his racing with education, earning his high school diploma at Texas Motor Speedway in 2014.
Career
Erik Jones started his NASCAR national series career with Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series. In 2015, at 19, he became the youngest driver to win the Truck Series Championship and was named Rookie of the Year. He holds the distinction of being the first driver in NASCAR history to win the Rookie of the Year award in all three top national series consecutively: Trucks (2015), Xfinity (2016), and Cup (2017).
In the Xfinity Series, Jones competed full-time with Joe Gibbs Racing, securing nine wins and consistent top finishes that showcased his rising talent. He made his NASCAR Cup Series full-time debut in 2017 with Furniture Row Racing, earning Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
Jones has won three prestigious Cup races, including the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona in 2018 and the Southern 500 at Darlington in 2019 and 2022. Through 2024, he has been a competitive fixture in the Cup Series, often pushing for strong finishes and playoff appearances.
Off-Track Ventures
Jones is active in philanthropy, founding the Erik Jones Foundation in 2021. The foundation focuses on igniting children’s passion for reading, promoting early cancer detection and care, and advocating animal welfare. His community leadership earned him recognition as the 2024 Comcast Community Champion. Jones enjoys snowmobiling, boating, and card games when off the track, maintaining a grounded lifestyle amidst his racing commitments.
Net Worth
Erik Jones’s estimated net worth is approximately $3 million, earned through salary, race winnings, sponsorships, and endorsement deals, reflecting his sustained success and marketability.
Family Life
Hailing from a supportive family, Jones is the son of Dave and Carol Jones and has one younger sister, Lindsey. On August 2, 2023, Erik married Holly Shelton. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named David Wayne Jones, on November 27, 2024. They also have a dog named Oscar. This is their only child as of now.
Recent Controversies
Jones has maintained a clean public record with no notable recent controversies. His professional approach and community engagement reflect well on his status in the sport.
Key Highlights from Season 2024 and 1 August 2025
2024: Continued to demonstrate strong competitiveness in the Cup Series with Legacy Motor Club, ranking 27th mid-year and accumulating over 361 points. Notched multiple top-10 finishes and remained a consistent contender on various track types.
1 August 2025: Positioned as a key driver for Legacy Motor Club, leveraging experience in the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro and striving for improved finishes and potential playoff contention amid a competitive Cup Series field.