Erik Jones will take on a new role during the upcoming Xfinity Series race at Sonoma Raceway on July 12, switching places with his Cup Series spotter, Will Rodgers. Rodgers will drive the No. 70 car for Cope Family Racing, while Jones will assume spotter duties for the event, marking a rare role reversal ahead of the Toyota/Save Mart 350 the following day.
This swap will give Rodgers his first Cup Series start since 2023. Viewers can catch the race live on CW starting at 4:30 p.m. ET or listen to live coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Meanwhile, Jones continues to focus on his primary responsibilities as a Cup Series driver and plans to race the No. 43 Toyota Camry for Legacy Motor Club at Sonoma on July 13.
Currently under a multi-year contract with Legacy Motor Club that extends beyond the 2025 season, Jones remains eager to secure his first win of the year. The Byron, Illinois native currently sits 17th in the driver standings with 393 points, aiming to improve his position as the season progresses.
Erik Jones on Legacy Motor Club’s Progress Toward Elite Competitiveness
Despite no wins so far in 2025, Jones and teammate John Hunter Nemechek have shown improvement by consistently finishing in the top 10 more often than last season. Jones has earned two top-five finishes and three top-10s in 19 starts. When asked about what Legacy Motor Club must do to become a front-running team, Jones described the challenge of progressing from mid-pack finishes to competing at the front.
“In racing, I think you go, you’re running 30th like we were last year, it’s not easy to get better to grunt top 15 or top 10, but it’s a lot easier to get to that point than it is to go from top 10 to top five to winning,” Jones replied (7:57). “So, this is kind of where that magic starts to happen.”
—Erik Jones, Cup Series driver
Jones emphasized the fine margins required to reach the very top level, highlighting the teamwork and driver skill needed to compete with established powerhouses such as Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), Team Penske, and Hendrick Motorsports.
“It takes some really good people to find some really minute things in race cars, and then it comes down to the drivers as well, right… I think we’re right there, a step away from being, you know, up there with the Penskes, JGRs, and Hendricks,” he added.
—Erik Jones, Cup Series driver
Jones’ recent performances have kept him within striking distance of the playoffs, where a victory would secure his place. His latest finish was 25th in Chicago, earning 14 points, while Nemechek finished 15th with 29 points, both looking to capitalize on Sonoma Raceway’s challenging 12-turn layout in Sonoma County, California.
Looking Ahead: Sonoma Raceway and the Road to Playoffs
The upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway represents a critical opportunity for Jones and Legacy Motor Club to build momentum. Broadcast starting at 3:30 p.m. ET on July 13 via TNT Sports, the race will also have live radio updates on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, keeping fans closely connected to the action.
The role swap with Will Rodgers not only highlights the strong working relationship between the driver and his spotter but also allows both to gain new perspectives ahead of this pivotal weekend. As Jones navigates the dual responsibilities of spotting then racing, the outcome at Sonoma could significantly influence his standing in a tightly contested Cup Series season.
