Legacy Motor Club is reshaping its NASCAR Cup Series lineup for 2027, but the driver who has been with the organization through years of change isn’t going anywhere.
The team announced Saturday at Kansas Speedway that Erik Jones has agreed to a multi-year contract extension that will keep him behind the wheel of the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE in 2027 and beyond.
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The move gives Legacy an important piece of continuity as it prepares for a significantly different lineup next season. Josh Berry will join the organization as the driver of the No. 42 Toyota, while Riley Herbst will take over the No. 84.
Jones, meanwhile, will remain in the car he has called home since 2021.
“I’m excited to continue to be a part of what LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is building,” Jones said. “I took over the No. 43 in 2021, and it’s become a big part of my career. Through every change, we continue to get better and I’m happy to be a part of that. 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 calls Erik Jones the ‘cornerstone’ of Legacy
There is plenty of change coming to Legacy in 2027. Jones’ extension makes it clear who the organization wants providing stability through it.
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Jones originally joined the No. 43 team in 2021 under the Richard Petty Motorsports banner.
He has remained through the organization’s evolution into Petty GMS Motorsports and, eventually, Legacy Motor Club.
Along the way, Jones delivered one of the most memorable victories of his Cup career, winning the 2022 Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in the No. 43. Since taking over the car, he has recorded one victory, 10 top-five finishes and 37 top-10s.
More importantly for Legacy’s future, Jones has accumulated years of experience inside an organization that is still working toward becoming a consistent contender.
Co-owner Jimmie Johnson made Jones’ place in those plans unmistakable.
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“Erik Jones is the cornerstone of what we are building at LEGACY — and he has earned that,” Johnson said.
“He has been a part of this organization through every stage of its evolution, and his consistency, professionalism, and knowledge of what it takes to compete at this level are exactly what we need as we bring in new drivers and build toward 2027. Keeping Erik in the No. 43 for the long term was a priority for us, and we are glad to have it done.”
That becomes particularly important with Berry and Herbst arriving next season. Jones will be the most tenured driver on Legacy’s roster, giving the organization an established reference point as two new drivers settle into their respective programs.
Erik Jones will anchor Legacy Motor Club’s new-look lineup
The decision isn’t based solely on Jones’ history with the organization.
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Legacy has seen signs of progress from the No. 43 team during the 2026 season. Jones finished runner-up at Michigan International Speedway in June after recording a third-place finish in the 2025 Southern 500. He also earned his first stage victory of the season at Texas Motor Speedway in May.
His climb through the standings offered another indication of that progress. Jones sat 28th in points before the March race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and had worked his way to 14th by the time the Cup Series left the San Diego Street Course in June.
Team president Michael Guttilla believes Jones’ value extends beyond his own results.
“Erik is exactly the kind of driver you want at the center of what we’re working toward,” Guttilla said. “The progression we’ve seen from him and from this team over the past two seasons precisely reflects the journey we’re on as an organization. He pushes himself and this team to be even better every week, he’s bought into LEGACY’s process, and his experience is invaluable to our growing competition team and new incoming drivers. We’re excited to have him locked in for the long term.”
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Jones brings plenty of that experience.
Now in his 11th Cup Series season, he is a three-time Cup winner and the 2015 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion. He has seven Truck Series victories and nine wins in what is now the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Legacy’s 2027 lineup may look considerably different when the new season begins, but the organization isn’t starting over.
Instead, it is keeping Jones at the center of what comes next.
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