Entering his tenth year in the NASCAR Cup Series, Erik Jones has driven for several prominent teams, including Furniture Row Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, and Legacy Motor Club. As the 2026 season approaches, Jones faces yet another major change, as he will work with a new crew chief after multiple leadership shifts within Legacy Motor Club during his tenure. The Michigan native’s ongoing adjustments reflect the challenges of maintaining consistency amid evolving team dynamics.
Legacy Motor Club’s Crew Chief Changes Over the Years
Jones has experienced significant turnover in crew chief positions at Legacy Motor Club, having worked with three different leaders in just three years. Dave Elenz was in charge of the No. 43 team from 2022 until October 2024. Afterward, Ben Beshore took the helm for the final five races of that year and managed the team throughout the entire 2025 campaign. Now, Justin Alexander is set to lead the operation starting in 2026, as Beshore transitions to director of race engineering.
Balancing Challenges and Opportunities with New Leadership
Though consulted on the decision, Jones acknowledged the complexity of adapting to yet another crew chief change. When asked if the new appointment might create obstacles or opportunities, he replied,
“Probably both,”
signaling a mixture of hope and uncertainty. Jones elaborated on the situation, saying,
“I think the challenge is just turnover, and turnover is never great, and this wasn’t necessarily turnover; it was more reorganizing of people. It’s still challenging to move to a new crew chief, just from obviously the driver relationship and getting to know each other, but also from the team relationship,”
illustrating the hurdles involved in building new connections within the team.
Expectations for a Long-Term Partnership with Justin Alexander
Despite the difficulties, Jones views this transition as a potential stepping stone for growth, especially with the improved quality of Legacy Motor Club’s equipment. He expressed optimism about forming a lasting partnership with Alexander, stating,
“This could be obviously a great fit for me. I hope a long-term fit. I’m not someone who really likes to jump around people, and I like to stay loyal to my people, and so I hope that Justin’s someone we can work together for a long time and have a lot of success,”
underscoring his desire for stability and success in the coming season.
Building Chemistry and Aiming for Success in 2026
The No. 43 crew and Jones now face the task of understanding Alexander’s working style and requirements as they prepare for competition next year. Jones also highlighted the advantage of his increasing familiarity with the manufacturer’s performance improvements, which could offer a solid foundation for Alexander to establish himself within the team. Alexander brings a strong resume, having won five Cup Series races alongside Austin Dillon while driving Richard Childress Racing’s No. 3 car, adding experience that the No. 43 team hopes will translate into on-track victories.
Looking Ahead: Possibilities for Jones and Legacy Motor Club
As the new season approaches, the combination of a fresh crew chief, refined equipment, and Jones’s steady presence could forge a path toward better results. Whether the team will break through and claim victory remains to be seen, but the blend of talent and ambition suggests that 2026 holds promise for the No. 43 squad and its driver. Continued adaptation and teamwork will be crucial as Erik Jones seeks to advance his career amid the ever-changing landscape of NASCAR.
