Legacy Motor Club has announced a strategic Erik Jones crew chief change, bringing in Justin Alexander to lead the No. 43 Toyota team as the organization transitions into a three-car operation for the upcoming season. This move is part of a broader effort to boost competitiveness ahead of Legacy’s expanded campaign and follows a year of notable growth for the team.
Legacy Motor Club Reshapes Its Team for Growth
Heading into the new racing season, Legacy Motor Club is recalibrating its structure in preparation for fielding three full-time entries. The arrival of Justin Alexander as the new crew chief for Erik Jones’s car is at the center of these changes. Alexander’s placement follows his 11-year run at Richard Childress Racing, where his leadership was key in securing several high-profile Cup Series wins. He will officially take charge starting with the 2026 campaign.
The shift at the top of Jones’s pit box follows the transfer of Ben Beshore, who moved into the crew chief role in October 2024 after Dave Elenz’s exit. Rather than leaving the organization, Beshore is being promoted to Director of Race Engineering, reflecting Legacy’s intent to retain experienced minds while optimizing team dynamics. Under Beshore, Jones achieved four top-five race finishes in 2025—his strongest showing since his tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2020.
Justin Alexander’s Track Record and Approach
During his time at Richard Childress Racing, Alexander worked closely with Austin Dillon, guiding the No. 3 team to five NASCAR Cup Series wins, including celebrated victories in the 2018 Daytona 500 and the 2017 Coca-Cola 600. After stepping down from RCR earlier in 2025, Alexander took a brief hiatus to focus on family before gradually reengaging with the sport. His transition into the Legacy Motor Club unfolded midyear, as he assisted the team and grew into his new responsibilities.
Reflecting on his decision, Alexander said,
“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.
He further shared his vision:
“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,”
— Justin Alexander, Crew Chief.
He also emphasized:
“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.
Impact of Internal Leadership Changes
Legacy Motor Club’s internal adjustments are designed to not only strengthen individual teams but to support its expansion to a three-car lineup. Justin Alexander’s leadership atop the No. 43 Toyota is part of a long-term blueprint for sustained growth and competitiveness. Elevating Ben Beshore to a top engineering position reflects a desire to cultivate organizational stability and deeper technical expertise, supporting the club’s ambitions for future success.
Alexander believes bringing fresh perspectives and experienced hands into new roles helps fortify the team’s larger mission. The former RCR crew chief has cited that logistical and operational adjustments are ongoing, but he remains confident in the group’s trajectory, viewing the transition as beneficial for the club’s evolution.
Competitive Outlook for Erik Jones and Legacy MC
In the previous season, Erik Jones improved his final championship standing to 24th, up from 28th a year prior, signaling progress as Legacy Motor Club settled into its partnership with Toyota. Despite not achieving a race win since his surprise triumph at the 2022 Southern 500 in Darlington Raceway and missing the playoffs since 2019, Jones, a Michigan native, is now backed by the experience of Alexander as the team strives for better results.
With Alexander guiding the crew and Beshore’s expertise focused on race engineering, Legacy Motor Club seeks to build on its recent gains and make a stronger push for the playoffs. As the organization eyes its first season as a three-car entry, the changes unfolding represent a blend of new leadership, retained knowledge, and a renewed commitment to achieving sustained success on the track.
The 2026 season will test the effectiveness of these moves, with Legacy Motor Club’s efforts likely to serve as a model for other NASCAR organizations seeking to retool for future competitiveness and growth.
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