Erik Jones donates book vending machine to elementary school students

When you see NASCAR drivers giving back, it gives you a sense of what they are able to do with their platforms, like Erik Jones. Jones and his foundation have been working hard to give resources such as books to elementary school students in the South. His latest stop was in Georgia.

Erik Jones went over to Rocky Creek Elementary, home of the “Racers” and had some cool stuff to show the kids. He had his trophies out, a bunch of his old firesuits, and even a used Goodyear tire. While he was there, Jones took time to read to the kids and show them the new book vending machine.

The machine lets kids go up and make their selections. A little creative twist on just visiting the library. Jones seemed to have a great time, the kids had a great time, and there is going to be a couple of new race fans, I’m sure for the LEGACY M.C. driver.

Jones even sounds like he is a good storyteller. Check it out.

This is what it’s all about. Seeing how much joy this book vending machine has already brought the students of Rocky Creek Elementary is exactly why I started the @ErikJonesFdn. Thank you @ATLMotorSpdwy and @SCCNational for supporting my foundation. #READwithErik pic.twitter.com/OLUMNJZ9rm

— Erik Jones (@Erik_Jones) June 23, 2023

Of course, this weekend, Erik Jones is headed up to Music City. Nashville Superspeedway awaits all three of the NASCAR national series. It has to be a little stress relief to help out some little ones. He gets their passion for reading ramped up and does something good in the community.

Back at his full-time job though, he has a little bit to worry about. At least as far as making the playoffs is concerned.

Erik Jones awaiting penalty appeal for modified greenhouse

Right after the Enjoy Illinois 300, Erik Jones had his car taken to the R&D Center to be inspected. Upon inspection, NASCAR found that Jones’ car had a “modified greenhouse.” The greenhouse is basically the windshield area of the cars. Both William Byron and Alex Bowman were hit wiht a similar penalty earlier this season.

The L1 penalty put Jones down 60 points and fined his crew chief, Dave Elenz, $75,000 in addition to a two-race suspension. Right now, LEGACY Motor Club is not doing the best. This penalty was just another kick while they are down, so to speak. The team is appealing the decision.

As for Erik Jones, the No. 43 driver might be counting down the days until his team switches to Toyota. Jones was a Toyota development driver back in the day and a return to the brand might be great for him and the rest of his team. It is clear that the Chevy relationship just isn’t as strong as they would like.

Right now, Erik Jones has a clear mission, win a race. That is the only way possible that Jones will find his way into the playoffs. He won the Darlington playoff race last season, but he’ll need that W to come sooner than that if he wants to be part of the top-16.