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Erik Jones Returning to Xfinity at Watkins Glen

Erik Jones will return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Jordan Anderson Racing, the team announced Aug. 2.

Jones will pilot the No. 31 Bommarito Automotive Group Chevrolet at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 7.

“Total respect to the entire No. 31 team and everyone at the Bommarito Automotive Group, and Chevrolet for what they have been able to accomplish with this organization in such a short amount of time,” Jones said in a team release. “It has been so cool to watch from the outside.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to join a JAR line-up of some very talented drivers. It will be great to return to the Xfinity Series behind the wheel of the No. 31 Camaro at Watkins Glen. With my past experience there I am hopeful we will be able to garner a great finish.”

See also
The Underdog House: Erik Jones Finds His Groove at the Magic Mile

Jones is not immune to success in NASCAR’s second-highest level. The Byron, Mich., native won nine races in 74 starts from 2015-2017. In 2016, he won the series Rookie of the Year award with Joe Gibbs Racing, winning four races, qualifying for the Championship 4 and finishing fourth in points. He last made a start in the series in 2019.

The 25-year-old has finishes of 12th and eighth in two Xfinity starts at the Glen. In the Cup Series, Jones has garnered three top 10s in three starts at the New York road course, with his best finish of fourth coming in 2019. All of those finishes came with Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 20 Toyota Camry.

JAR has been impressive itself in 2021. After missing a large chunk of races at the beginning of the year due to no qualifying and a lack of points, JAR has recorded four top 10s with two different drivers. Team owner Jordan Anderson, Josh Berry, Kaz Grala and Tyler Reddick have all piloted the No. 31 between nine starts in 2021. Reddick earned the team’s best finish to date with a fifth at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May.

Jones currently sits in his fifth year of Cup competition with two career victories in 169 starts. In 2021, he has recorded two top 10s and sits 25th in points during his first season with Richard Petty Motorsports.

About the author

Luken Glover joined the Frontstretch team in 2020 as a contributor, furthering a love for racing that traces back to his earliest memories. Glover inherited his passion for racing from his grandfather, who used to help former NASCAR team owner Junie Donlavey in his Richmond, Va. garage. A 2023 graduate from the University of the Cumberlands, Glover is the author of "The Underdog House," contributes to commentary pieces, and does occasional at-track reporting. Additionally, Glover enjoys working in ministry, coaching basketball, playing sports, and karting.

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