NASCAR: 3 possible landing spots for Erik Jones in 2023
By Asher Fair
Erik Jones has quietly played himself into a position where he is considered among the top pending free agents in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Not many knew what to expect this year from Erik Jones, who is in his second NASCAR Cup Series season with Richard Petty’s team. Last year, he drove the #43 Chevrolet for Richard Petty Motorsports last year, and he did about as well as expected from a Richard Petty Motorsports driver, finishing in 24th place in the championship standings.
But this year, things changed at Petty’s organization, as they partnered with GMS Racing to form Petty GMS Motorsports. They added a second car for Ty Dillon, giving Jones a teammate.
Suffice it to say that Jones’s 2022 season has been impressive thus far, to the point where he is considered one of the top drivers without a deal for 2023. Where will he end up?
Erik Jones 2023 landing spots: No. 1 – Petty GMS Motorsports
Erik Jones seems to be coming into his own at Petty GMS Motorsports, solidifying himself as a playoff contender with several strong runs to open up his second season behind the wheel of the #43 Chevrolet.
And Petty GMS Motorsports seem to be coming into their own as a solid Cup Series team capable of achieving much more than they were capable of achieving as Richard Petty Motorsports. Prior to Maury Gallagher Jr.’s investment in the team, the organization had become somewhat of a backmarker team at most events.
Sitting in 16th place in the point standings, 55 points below where the playoff cut line is currently positioned, Jones ranks 10 positions and 98 points ahead of Ty Dillon.
There is little reason for him to look elsewhere for a ride, and there is little reason for the team to replace him. But if bigger teams come calling, could a change be made?