With ongoing discussions about the increasing number of road course events in the NASCAR Cup Series, Erik Jones has clearly expressed his support for emphasizing intermediate ovals. Jones, driving for Legacy Motor Club, shared his views just before the Sonoma race, highlighting his preference for the mile-and-a-half tracks where he feels most comfortable and competitive.
Jones Voices Concerns over Next Gen Car’s Performance on Road Courses
When asked about the current schedule featuring six road course races, Jones did not hold back his criticism. He stated,
“I would love to do a couple a year. I was totally happy running here and at Watkins Glen. I don’t know. I’m probably not the right guy to ask. I grew up as an oval racer. I didn’t race a road course till 10 years ago for the first time.”
Jones also questioned the Next Gen car’s ability to deliver exciting racing on road courses compared to the previous model, adding,
“My opinion is this car is not, just hasn’t put on as good of a show on road courses that the old car did, to be frank.”
Preference for Limited Road Course Events Coupled with More Oval Races
Jones expressed that while diversity in venues is enjoyable, a more balanced schedule would benefit the series. He suggested limiting road courses to Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and a single street course, remarking,
“I think it is fun to go to different places, but I could see us doing here, Watkins Glen, and one street course. I think you would be hard-pressed to find many that wouldn’t agree with that.”
Strength on Mile-and-a-Half Ovals Reinforces Jones’s Position
The driver firmly supports a return to intermediate ovals, stating,
“We know where this car puts on good races, the mile-and-a-half stuff is great, there is plenty of those tracks that we can go back to that are sitting there and primed to race, so I would love to go back to some of those.”
Statistical evidence backs this sentiment, as Jones’s best average finish of 13.9 occurs at intermediate ovals, contrasting with a lower average finish of 19.8 on road courses where he has struggled.
Recent Performance Highlights and Legacy Motor Club Progress
Jones has improved this season, securing two top-five finishes and a top-10, all on intermediate or superspeedway circuits. His teammate, John Hunter Nemechek, has also contributed significantly with six top-10 finishes and one top-five this year, reflecting Legacy Motor Club’s upward trajectory. Currently, Jones holds the 17th spot in the standings, only four points behind Kyle Busch, who is in 16th, while Nemechek sits 20th.
