NASCAR insider addresses Erik Jones' future with Legacy, possibility for 2025

Erik Jones is currently without a contract for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, but Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports sees that changing sometime in the near future.

Pockrass wrote on X Thursday he thinks Jones will remain with Legacy Motor Club next season, the race team he’s been with since 2021 when they were known as Richard Petty Motorsports and later Petty GMS Motorsports before rebranding to Legacy in 2023.

“I think Erik Jones remains at Legacy for next year,” Pockrass wrote. “When JGR [Joe Gibbs Racing] had the 19 opening, it seemed like that was a possibility but with [Chase] Briscoe there, think Jones stays.”

As Pockrass mentioned, Jones was once thought to be a candidate to replace the retiring Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 19 car for JGR. Jones raced for JGR from 2018-20 in the No. 20 car, but JGR instead opted to sign Chase Briscoe.

Erik Jones struggling to compete in 2024

Now, it appears staying with Legacy is the likely option for Jones. The 28-year-old has largely struggled since the team rebranding, finishing a career-worst 27th in the points standings last season. Through 22 races this season, he sits 27th once more. He has, however, missed two races after suffering a spinal fracture at Talladega back in April. Still, he has posted just one top-10 finish, a P8 result in the Daytona 500.

Jones finished 28th in this past Sunday’s Brickyard 400.

Corey Heim, one of NASCAR’s best prospects, is the designated backup driver for Legacy and 23XI Racing, but don’t expect him to make the jump to Legacy full-time. Pockrass wrote earlier this month that it “now seems unlikely he would fill this seat if it opens as he continues to eye a possible ride at 23XI in the next few years.”

Heim, 22, has won five CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races this season and placed inside the top-10 in four of his 12 appearances in the Xfinity Series. He has three starts under his belt this season with Legacy.