LEGACY MOTOR CLUB driver Erik Jones comes to Darlington ranked 26th in the championship standings, yet he is as optimistic about this weekend as he could possibly be to pull off a walk-off home run of sorts and win his championship chance. Two of his three career NASCAR Cup Series victories have come in the Southern 500.
A victory Sunday night would be Jones’ first top-five of the season in the No. 43 Toyota. His best showing is eighth place in the season-opening Daytona 500 — his only top 10 of 2024. He was fastest in Group A practice Saturday but will start the race 28th.
“It’s just been a long year for a lot of different reasons,’’ Jones said. “But I think if you told me I had to pick one track other than a superspeedway I’d probably pick Darlington to go win.
“Definitely some confidence in that. I think any time you come to a place you’ve had success a few times with different groups, you have the notes to dive into and the confidence you know how to get around the place and do what you need to do.
“It’s not going to be easy by any stretch, but I feel like we have a good plan.’’
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