As Motorsport.com reports, Legacy Motor Club announced on Sunday that Erik Jones has agreed to a multi-year contract extension, securing his place as the long-term driver of the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE.
Jones will be surrounded by a revamped lineup next year. Josh Berry is stepping in to take over the No. 42 from John Hunter Nemechek, while Riley Herbst joins the outfit to pilot a newly added No. 84 machine as the organization expands to a three-car chartered entry.
Especially this season, I feel like we’ve hit on something and been consistent. I’m thankful to get the chance to continue building on that in the years to come,
Jimmie Johnson, co-owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, emphasized the driver's importance to the squad. “Erik Jones is the cornerstone of what we are building at 'legacy' — and he has earned that,” Johnson stated, pointing to his consistency, professionalism, and deep knowledge as vital assets while the team integrates new drivers and builds toward 2027. Johnson added that locking down Jones in the No. 43 for the long haul was a top priority.
The numbers speak for themselves. Jones enters the 2027 roster as by far the most experienced driver in the garage, boasting three Cup wins (which include a pair of victories in the Southern 500) and more than 350 starts at the highest level of the sport. His resume also features nine NASCAR O'Reilly wins, seven NASCAR Truck victories, and the 2015 Truck Series championship.
His history with the iconic machine runs deep. Jones has been behind the wheel of the No. 43 since 2021—long before Johnson bought into the organization and steered the rebrand into Legacy Motor Club, back when the team operated as Richard Petty Motorsports.
Reflecting on the new deal, Jones expressed his enthusiasm for staying put. “I’m excited to continue to be a part of what Legacy Motor Club is building,” he said in a release from the team. Highlighting how the iconic number has shaped a major part of his career since 2021, he noted that the group continues to improve through every transition. “Especially this season, I feel like we’ve hit on something and been consistent. I’m thankful to get the chance to continue building on that in the years to come,” Jones concluded.
