Erik Jones will pilot the No. 43 Chevrolet for Richard Petty Motorsports starting with the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, the team announced Wednesday morning (Oct. 21).
The multi-year signing comes two months after Joe Gibbs Racing tagged Christopher Bell to drive the No. 20 Toyota next season.
Jones will hop in the seat that is vacated by Bubba Wallace, who will drive for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s new team starting next year.
“It is an incredible honor to have Richard Petty want you to drive for his race team and with the car number he made famous,” Jones said in a team release. “Richard Petty Motorsports has a rich history in the sport, but they are not resting on that history. They still have something to prove, and I have something to prove. We are both motivated to write a new chapter. I am proud to be a part of Richard Petty Motorsports.”
The 24-year-old has two wins, 33 top five and 62 top 10s across four full-time Cup seasons. His most recent points victory came in last year’s Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington, while he also won this year’s Busch Clash at Daytona.
Jerry Baxter will continue in his current role as crew chief of the No. 43 with Jones in the seat. Sponsorship details are yet to be announced.
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Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She's currently an assistant editor while continuing to write daily fantasy and news articles. A California native, Joy was raised as a motorsports fan and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.
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Surprised to see it is a multi-year deal.
So who is the multi year deal to protect, Jones or RPM?
I am guessing multi-year is 2 years. I would also guess that was RPM’s desire. They wouldn’t want to have to go through the same process next year. I’d also guess Jones wouldn’t want to be locked into a really long contract that would keep him from seeking a better ride if it became available.
That’s a step up for Petty and a step down for Jones, but I’m happy to see him stay in cup. The guy has talent.
Bummer Jones is at RPM – hope he is able to sell himself to some good sponsors. That team just isn’t going to compete for wins unless they get the financing.