WATCH: “Been a great three years together,” Erik Jones expresses gratitude for the Chevrolet team as Legacy MC joins Toyota
Erik Jones his first win since 2014 with Chevrolet in 2022 at Darlington.
Erik Jones at North Wilkesboro
Earlier this year, Legacy Motor Club announced its departure from American manufacturer Chevrolet, forging a new alliance with the Japanese powerhouse, Toyota, starting in 2024. The rebranded LMC team retained its predecessor’s manufacturers but opted for a switch after this year. Erik Jones, the No:43 driver, took a moment to express gratitude to their former manufacturer.
Jones joined LMC when it was Richard Petty Motorsports in 2021, replacing Bubba Wallace. Despite challenges in his debut season, finishing 24th in the point standings, Jones achieved a significant turnaround in 2022, securing his 200th career win. Notable achievements included a awaited victory at Darlington.
Despite missing the playoffs, Jones showcased notable achievements in 2022, his win has been the most memorable moment with the team. And in the 2023 season, with the newly formed LMC, he overcame early setbacks and delivered consistent performances. Notably, he earned LMC’s first-ever top 5 finish with a 3rd-place result at Kansas. Jones expressed gratitude to his Chevrolet team with a heartfelt video posted on X. He said,:
Thank you @TeamChevy for a great 3 years together. Proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful for your support. pic.twitter.com/ztpGpHImP7
— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) November 25, 2023
Just want to take a quick second to say thank you to our friends at Chevrolet Racing. [it’s] been a great three years together. What we've accomplished in the 43 car, I think, has been really awesome. Getting back to Victory Lane for the first time in a long time, so had a great time. Always appreciated the support and wishing you guys a lot of luck in the future.”
Legacy Motor Club is set to feature two ex-Toyota Development drivers in 2024
Legacy Motor Club’s decision to transition from Chevrolet to Toyota in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season is marked by strategic considerations and a commitment to building a championship-caliber organization. Co-owner Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Toyota and TRD, citing admiration for Toyota’s conduct in the sport and the prospect of forging a new legacy for the future.
The move positions Legacy Motor Club as the third organization on the NASCAR Cup Series grid with support from Toyota and TRD, joining the ranks of Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing. This decision underscores Johnson’s dedication to reshaping the team, evident in personnel changes and even a rebranding of the organization.
Toyota gets a boost in numbers after Legacy Motor Club joins the fold in 2024. pic.twitter.com/DjVJSJQbWL
— The Extra Mile (@ExtraMileIESR) May 2, 2023
With John Hunter Nemechek, a Toyota graduate, set to drive the No. 42 car and the No. 43 car driven by Erik Jones, another former Toyota development driver, Legacy Motor Club will field two drivers from Toyota’s lot. The team aims to contribute to Toyota’s presence on the grid with a total of eight full-time Toyota teams in the upcoming season—the most since 2011.
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Rohit Bhaskar
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