Erik Jones is looking to discuss a controversial moment with Kyle Larson after being forced sideways by Larson during the closing stages of the Daytona race on Saturday night. Jones told Toby Christie of Sports Illustrated that he was unsure whether Larson’s aggressive moves were justified and intends to get clarity from him.
“I don’t know. I got to ask Kyle,”
Jones said. He reflected on a previous part of the race where he, Justin Haley, and others like Joey Logano and Chris Buescher were working well together to advance toward the lead.
“The five (Larson) there got behind us and was just super aggressive, just kind of bulldogging through us. He kept getting me a little more and a little more out of shape, and it was just too much at one time. Fortunately, we didn’t wreck but I gotta ask him. I don’t know what his thought was. It wasn’t really helping us go forward, it was kind of slowing us down before I got to far out of shape. I just got to see what his thought was.”
Reflections on a Tough Season for Erik Jones
Though Jones recovered to finish fifth at Daytona, the contact with Larson likely altered his chances of winning the race and securing a playoff spot. Instead, Ryan Blaney climbed from 13th place to claim victory at Daytona, leaving Jones to miss out on the postseason again this year.
The 2024 season presented numerous challenges for the 29-year-old driver, as he managed only four top-10 finishes throughout the regular schedule. Jones’ last victory came in 2022, while he placed fifth in the Southern 500 race. Earlier this year, Jones faced disqualification at Martinsville after his No. 43 car failed post-race inspection, further complicating his campaign.
Commitment to Legacy Motor Club Amid Ongoing Struggles
Despite the setbacks, Jones secured a contract extension with Legacy Motor Club at the close of the season. Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of Legacy and <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR legend, praised Jones’ abilities and expressed confidence in his long-term potential with the team.
“Erik is one of the most talented drivers in NASCAR, I’ve had the chance to race against him and have had a chance to watch him drive for other teams and the Club,”
Johnson said.
“I admire his talent and am glad we will have him race for us for the upcoming years. Erik will be a key to helping us turn our program around and we look forward to giving him the tools he needs to go out on Sundays and race for wins and eventually a championship someday.”
Looking Ahead After Daytona’s Intense Moments
The incident between Kyle Larson and Erik Jones at Daytona underscores the aggressive nature of competition late in the NASCAR season, especially when playoff spots are on the line. Jones’ desire to understand Larson’s mindset highlights the tension and strategic battles that define the sport’s high-stakes moments.
As Jones continues to develop his career with Legacy Motor Club, the team and driver face the challenge of turning difficult races into consistent success. The outcome at Daytona may influence future interactions between these drivers and the intensity expected as they push toward the next season.
