Erik Jones ‘happy’ with best finish of 2023

Erik Jones picked up his best finish of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season and for the rebranded Legacy Motor Club.

Jones pulled off a third-place effort Sunday in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.

The Legacy Motor Club driver started 19th, picked up five stage points and collected his first top-5 of the of the season.

More importantly, he also had a chance at the win in overtime.

“You want to be frustrated, but you have to be happy with the run,” Jones said. “All day, the No. 43 Allegiant Chevy was fast and we were up in contention. We were able to drive through the field a handful of times, so it was a good day.

Jones’ third-place effort was his best finish in a Cup Series race since he won the Southern 500 at Darlington last September – 37 races ago.

“That was probably the fastest car we’ve had all year. We would have loved to get one there. But, our year has been up-and-down and having a good run like that is just a good day for the team.”

Since Petty-GMS Motorsports rebranded with seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson at the end of 2022, Legacy Motor Club has fielded two full-time entries.

Jones has remained consistent in the No. 43. Meanwhile, a revolving door of drivers have driven the No. 42 after Noah Gragson’s resignation from the team.

Johnson has also had a part-time stint in the team’s No. 84 entry.

Jones has picked up 1 Top-5 and 7 Top-10s in 28 starts this year. Those are the only Top-5s and Top-10s that Legacy Motor Club has had this year.