Erik Jones on a Major Short Track Dry Spell
4 months agoErik Jones has consistently lacked short track speed since Joe Gibbs Racing fired him, particularly since the introduction of the Next Gen car. Since 2021, Jones has never finished better than 12th or even led a lap on a short track, even in the anomalous spring Bristol race where it seemed like everyone else led. His short track woes are most pronounced at Richmond, where he has never led and only posted a single top-10 finish. When considering Legacy Motor Club's lack of factory support from Toyota, Jones's injuries at Talladega, and his 27th-place starting position this weekend, this race looks like a write-off for Jones. The team is likely placing a heavier focus on preparing for upcoming tracks like Daytona and Darlington, where Jones is more likely to run well.
Source: Racing Reference
Source: Racing Reference