NASCAR: 3 possible replacements for Erik Jones in 2025

As a dedicated NASCAR fan with years of experience watching and analyzing the sport, I believe that Erik Jones’ potential departure from Legacy Motor Club for the 2025 season opens up an exciting opportunity for a young and talented driver to make their mark in the Cup Series. Jones has been a consistent performer throughout his career, but recent struggles have left him on the outside looking in when it comes to making the playoffs.

I, as a fan, am excitedly watching Erik Jones’s NASCAR journey unfold, and next season looks promising with some potential changes on the horizon. Born in Byron, Michigan, Jones has not renewed his contract with Legacy Motor Club for the upcoming season. Although there are rumors of Legacy Motor Club considering welcoming him back, Jones himself is keeping an open mind to explore other opportunities.

The Legacy Motor Club hasn’t shone as a top-performing Toyota team, with Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing setting the pace. It’s unjust to place all the blame on Jones for their subpar results. However, it’s understandable for the team to consider other options as they look towards next year.

Over the course of his professional racing career, Jones has maintained a steady performance. However, he experienced some setbacks in the last two years. In the previous season, he ranked 27th in the Cup Series point standings, which was his worst result to date. Currently, he shares the same ranking with another driver. If Jones fails to secure a victory this year, he will have missed the playoffs for an unprecedented fifth time in a row.

Here are three possible replacements for Jones in 2025.

No. 3 – Riley Herbst

According to reports, Riley Herbst is an up-and-coming driver being considered by 23XI Racing for adding a third car to their team.

If Herbst is considering leaving Ford for Toyota and 23XI Racing isn’t interested in signing him, then Legacy Motor Club might become an option for him in any of the three NASCAR national series.

At Legacy Motor Club, Herbst would take over from Jones with reduced pressure compared to joining 23Xi Racing. The latter team had both their drivers qualify for the playoffs in the previous season, implying that high achievements are anticipated right from the start.

A 25-year-old driver might join Legacy Motor Club to debut in the Cup Series gradually while staying connected with Toyota. This isn’t an extravagant decision for Legacy Motor Club; it won’t hinder their progress.

No. 2 – Chandler Smith

An alternative name to consider instead of Erik Jones is Chandler Smith. Smith has spent the majority of his racing career with Toyota, and a switch to Legacy Motor Club might benefit him significantly.

Last season was the sole occasion that Smith raced outside the Toyota family, having signed with Kaulig Racing instead. At 22 years old, he participated in a full-time capacity within the Xfinity Series for this new team, while also taking part in three events of the Cup Series.

Last year at Richmond Raceway, Smith secured a victory in the Xfinity Series and ranked ninth in the season-ending points. However, his tenure with Chevrolet and Kaulig Racing was short-lived as he returned to Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2024 season.

In the current racing season, driving the No. 81 Toyota, he has achieved two victories and ranks fourth in the points table. Although an additional year in the Xfinity Series might be beneficial, his performance suggests that he may be prepared for a promotion to the Cup Series as well.

The Legacy Motor Club is searching for a promising young racing talent to nurture, and they’re fortunate to have seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson serving as a guiding figure and source of knowledge.

Smith might choose to bide his time and observe if any vacancies emerge at Joe Gibbs Racing for their Cup Series team in 2025. However, would he forego the chance to debut in the series at that time?

In simple terms, it’s unlikely that Smith would perform poorly compared to Jones, and they currently race together in some Xfinity Series events for Legacy Motor Club with John Hunter Nemechek. If Jones departs, Smith may have an opportunity to shine.

No. 1 – Corey Heim

If Legacy Motor Club and Erik Jones decide to end their partnership, I would recommend considering Corey Heim as the next driver. This 22-year-old racing talent has been suggested as a prospect for several NASCAR Cup Series teams, including 23XI Racing. Therefore, it would be wise for Legacy Motor Club to secure his services before other teams do.

Heim, similar to Chandler Smith, has remained faithful to Toyota in NASCAR racing. He has secured victories for Kyle Busch Motorsports and Tricon Garage in the Truck Series, while in the Xfinity Series, he has achieved top 10 and top 5 results for Sam Hunt Racing.

As a gamer, I’ve had the opportunity to race in three Cup Series events this year for two different Toyota teams: Legacy Motor Club and 23XI Racing. Both teams have given me valuable experience, and I’m eager to continue climbing the racing ladder. However, I’m still undecided which team will be my permanent home in the Cup Series. The decision is mine to make, but the outcome could significantly impact my career as a professional racecar driver.

The Legacy Motor Club has previously observed Heim’s abilities using Jones’s vehicles during Jones’s injury absence in the spring races. While it’s true that only two races represent a limited data set, yet the possibility of Heim joining 23XI Racing next season is a significant cause for concern.

Making the leap from the Truck Series to the Cup Series is a big challenge for Heim. However, consider the example of Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports. In 2024, they brought Hocevar on board instead of Ty Dillon. To date, Hocevar has achieved more top 10 finishes than what Dillon managed in a complete season.

If Legacy Motor Club considers making a change, they could have the same advantage as taking that chance with Heim instead of Erik Jones piloting their No. 43 Toyota in the 2025 season.

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2024-07-22 16:02