At the Sonoma Raceway this past weekend, Erik Jones took an unexpected turn in his NASCAR career by stepping out of the driver‘s seat to become a spotter for Will Rodgers during the Xfinity Series race. This strategic swap highlighted the strong bond between the two and brought new attention to the Erik Jones Sonoma Race Spotlight. The change occurred as Rodgers, typically the No. 43 Legacy Motor Club (LMC) spotter, seized the chance to race the No. 70 Cope Family Racing car, prompting Jones to support his teammate from the sidelines.
A Rare Role Reversal Between Driver and Spotter at Sonoma
Will Rodgers, who usually guides Erik Jones’s car in the Cup Series as the No. 43 LMC spotter, got an opportunity to compete as a driver at Sonoma Raceway. Although Rodgers had expressed interest in racing a few events since joining the team before the 2025 season, the team’s primary focus remained on Cup Series competitions. When Rodgers secured a drive with Cope Family Racing, Legacy Motor Club encouraged the move rather than blocking it. Consequently, Jones accepted a temporary but significant role swap, moving into the spotter’s seat for the race.
This arrangement was backed by a gentleman’s agreement between Jones and Rodgers, where Jones had promised to spot for Rodgers if he ever found a racing opportunity. What began as a casual bet developed into a meaningful collaboration for the race weekend. Rodgers prepared to make his tenth start in the Xfinity Series, while Jones embarked on a spotting experience he had not done professionally in over a decade.
Jones reflected on this new challenge, saying,
“I guess Will, when we hired him on this year for the 43, he was, you know, wanting to do some racing of his own, and we had no problem with it, but kind of told him if he put something together that I would spot for him. And I kind of figured that would nearly, not that he wasn’t going to put something together, but it would never work out that I would spot for him. So he got to putting together this deal for the 70 car, which he spots for on a weekly basis.”
—Erik Jones, NASCAR Driver
Jones had never worked as a professional spotter before, except for minor roles as a secondary spotter in the past. This temporary shift marked his first formal spotter position after a 12-year hiatus from such duties. Will Rodgers shared his excitement about Jones agreeing to the role without much hesitation:
“I’m glad that Eric actually signed up to do it. I thought it would take a little bit more convincing, but I think I remember where we were, Kansas or something. And I said, ‘Hey, I think there’s a good chance I’m going to race Sonoma. So we’re going to do this thing. Right. And you said, yeah, I said, all right, I’m going to hold you to it.’ So here we are. I’m glad it came together and obviously thankful to Legacy Motor Club for letting me do this. Really enjoyed my new role at Legacy Motor Club spotting for Eric, uh, between him, me, and then Ben Bayshore. I feel like we make a really good team, uh, super chill.”
—Will Rodgers, LMC Spotter and Xfinity Driver
Performance and Team Dynamics in the Xfinity Race
The partnership between Rodgers as the driver and Jones as the spotter proved effective during the Xfinity race. Rodgers started from the 36th position on the grid and managed to finish 16th, a respectable outcome given the competitive field. The two interacted with a relaxed and playful vibe over the radio throughout the race, showing camaraderie amid the pressure of competition.
Jones commented on the team‘s communication and the car’s handling:
“We were joking on the radio, having a good time, and car remained good pretty much the whole time. The team made good adjustments, like I said, so I was feeling OK.”
—Erik Jones, NASCAR Driver
This experience not only strengthened the rapport between Jones and Rodgers but also showcased the flexibility and teamwork within Legacy Motor Club. Though Jones’s main focus remains on the Cup Series, this side role demonstrated his commitment to supporting his teammates in every possible way.
Erik Jones’s Ongoing Battle for Cup Series Playoffs
Following the Sonoma race, Erik Jones will return to his primary responsibilities in the NASCAR Cup Series, where he is fighting hard to secure a playoff spot. His position within the top eight of the in-season challenge reflects a competitive season, but a key hurdle remains ahead: his rivalry with teammate John Hunter Nemechek.
The two drivers are paired for the next major road course contest at Sonoma, where Jones must surpass Nemechek to advance beyond Round 3. Despite the intensity of this rivalry, Jones remains calm and focused, treating each race as an independent challenge rather than dwelling on the competition against his teammate.
Jones elaborated on his mindset heading into the race:
“I would love to give you some big play on it. But it has been business as usual. For me, I’m always pretty good about letting the result be what it is. I never go into a race thinking about how I want to run or how I want to finish. I run the best race I can run and then hope the result is going to come with that.”
—Erik Jones, NASCAR Driver
He acknowledged, however, that if Nemechek is ahead on the final lap, a more aggressive approach might be necessary, even if that involves physical contact. The prospect of winning the $1 million prize in the challenge provides an additional incentive, but Jones’s main goal is to reduce the 50-point gap in the standings and position the No. 43 team for postseason success.
Will the Jones-Rodgers Partnership Fuel Legacy Motor Club’s Season?
The switch in roles at Sonoma symbolizes the strong team chemistry within Legacy Motor Club, where versatility and mutual support have become vital assets. With Rodgers stepping into the driver‘s seat and Jones adopting a spotting role he rarely practices in, the duo demonstrated adaptability and trust.
This cooperation hints at the possibility that good communication and willingness to back one another might be a driving factor behind LMC’s recent successes. As Jones returns to focus on his Cup Series campaign and Rodgers continues to split time between spotter duties and select races, their dynamic could remain pivotal for the team’s achievements in the 2025 season.
Looking ahead, Erik Jones’s efforts to climb the ranks in the Cup playoffs and his readiness to support his teammates will likely keep him in the Erik Jones Sonoma Race Spotlight. The innovative approach shown at Sonoma Raceway may also serve as a template for other teams seeking competitive edges through unconventional strategies and teamwork.
