By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
Joe Gibbs Racing announced Friday (September 6) a contract extension that will see driver Erik Jones return to the seat of the No. 20 Toyota in the 2020 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
Coming less than a week after his victory at Darlington Raceway, Jones is thrilled to have this announcement set before the 2019 playoffs begin.
“I’m so happy to finally have my plans for 2020 confirmed and to talk about it,” said Jones. “I’m excited to be staying with Joe Gibbs Racing and the [No.] 20 team and to continue the success that we have built over the last two years in the Cup Series.”
Entering Sunday’s Brickyard 400 as the series’ defending winner, Jones is locked into the playoffs, making the postseason for the second time.
With one win, nine top-five and 13 top-10 finishes in 2019, Jones knows the team is turning a positive corner.
“I put my heart and soul into this and this race team,” he said. “This is my living and how I want to make a career and what I want to do. I’ve been racing with JGR since 2014 and it’s really cool to be able to continue with the foundation we’ve built over the years and hopefully win more races and contend for championships together.”
Jones has 100 Cup Series starts since 2015 and made his first full season in 2017 with Furniture Row Racing. The Michigan native switched to JGR in 2018 in place of Matt Kenseth and has won twice since.
Team owner Joe Gibbs knows the No. 20 will be in good hands for 2020.
“Erik has accomplished so much in our sport already and yet, he really is just at the start of a long career,” Gibbs said. “He’s been a part of Joe Gibbs Racing for almost his entire professional career and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him.”
David Wilson, president of TRD, USA, also commented on Jones’ extension with JGR.
“All of us at Toyota and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) are thrilled to have Erik extend his relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing and the No. 20 Camry,” said Wilson. “Erik has been a part of the family since 2013 and we’ve been fortunate to see him advance and develop as a racecar driver and a person. From a Truck Series champion to a playoff contender and race winner in the Cup Series, we’re honored to be a part of his journey.
“Without a doubt, we know his recent Cup Series success is just the beginning of what is sure to be many more wins and championship-contending seasons to come.”