Erik Jones Bio
Early Life and Background
Erik Benjamin Jones was born on May 30, 1996, in Byron, Michigan, United States. He grew up in a family that supported his passion for racing, which began at a young age. Jones started racing quarter-midgets at the age of seven and transitioned to stock cars by the age of thirteen. His early exposure to competitive racing laid the foundation for his future career in motorsports. He attended Swartz Creek Academy, where he graduated before pursuing a professional racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Jones began his journey in racing by competing in various local series, including the ASA Late Model Series, where he made a name for himself by becoming the youngest winner of the Oktoberfest race at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway. His success continued as he moved to the Champion Racing Association’s CRA All-Star Tour, winning the series championship in his rookie year in 2011. This early success opened doors for him to compete in the ARCA Racing Series, where he made history as the youngest driver to participate at the age of fifteen. His strong performances in the ARCA series led to opportunities in the NASCAR ranks, where he would eventually debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2013.
Erik Jones Career
Early Career (2013-2015)
Jones made his NASCAR debut in the Camping World Truck Series in 2013, driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports. He quickly established himself as a talented driver, winning his first race at the Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix International Raceway at just seventeen years old. In 2015, he dominated the Truck Series, securing the championship title and earning the Rookie of the Year award. His impressive performance included multiple wins and top finishes, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in NASCAR.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2015-2017)
In 2015, Jones transitioned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. He won his first Xfinity race at Texas Motor Speedway and continued to excel, finishing the season with multiple victories and earning the Rookie of the Year title. In 2016, he won four races and advanced to the championship round, finishing fourth in points. His success in the Xfinity Series showcased his versatility and skill, further establishing him as a top contender in NASCAR.
NASCAR Cup Series Breakthrough (2017-2020)
Jones made his full-time debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2017 with Furniture Row Racing. He quickly became a competitive driver, finishing second at Bristol and capturing his first Cup Series win at the 2018 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, as it secured him a spot in the playoffs. Over the next few seasons, he continued to perform well, achieving multiple top finishes and securing his second Cup Series win at Darlington in 2019.
Legacy Motor Club Era (2021-Present)
In 2021, Jones joined Legacy Motor Club, taking over the iconic No. 43 car. He faced challenges during his first season but managed to secure a win at the 2022 Southern 500, marking a historic moment for the team. As of 2023, he returned to Toyota’s NASCAR program, and his performance has shown improvement, with several top-ten finishes throughout the season. His partnership with Legacy Motor Club continues to evolve as they aim for greater success in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Jones is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and make quick decisions during races has contributed to his success. He is also recognized for his strong communication with his team, which enhances his performance on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Jones is the first driver to win Rookie of the Year honors in all three NASCAR national series: the Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series, and Cup Series. His victory at the Southern 500 in 2022 was a significant achievement, as it marked the first win for Legacy Motor Club since its formation.
Erik Jones Career Wins
Erik Jones has achieved notable success across various NASCAR series, with a total of three wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, nine wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and seven wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His consistent performance has made him a respected competitor in the sport.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of the end of the 2025 season, Jones has secured three wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, with his most recent victory coming at the 2022 Southern 500. He has also accumulated numerous top-ten finishes, showcasing his competitive edge in the series.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Jones achieved nine wins, with his first victory occurring at Texas Motor Speedway in 2015. His success in the Truck Series includes seven wins, with his championship title in 2015 solidifying his early career as a standout in NASCAR.
Erik Jones Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Erik Jones was born into a supportive family that encouraged his passion for racing from a young age. He has a younger sister named Lindsey, who has also been a source of support throughout his career.
Personal Life
Jones is married to fellow race car driver Holly Shelton, whom he began dating in 2018. They tied the knot on August 2, 2023. Outside of racing, Jones is an avid reader and has initiated a book club called Erik’s Reading Circle, where he engages with fans and shares his love for literature.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Erik Jones, who started with a twelfth-place finish at the Daytona 500. Throughout the season, he faced ups and downs, including a disqualification after the Martinsville race due to weight issues. Despite these challenges, he managed to secure a top-five finish at Talladega, showcasing his resilience. As the season progressed, Jones’s performance improved, but he ended the year 28th in the points standings, reflecting the struggles faced by Legacy Motor Club. The team has made adjustments, including a crew chief change, as they aim to enhance their competitiveness moving forward.
