“I Didn’t Really Expect it”- Erik Jones Reveals His Feelings About Leaving Joe Gibbs Racing

Earlier, the Joe Gibbs Racing team announced that they would not be retaining Erik Jones for 2021. In light of this, Jones admitted that he was caught off guard.

However, he is confident that there will be plenty of opportunities heading his way for 2021.

The 24-year-old recently spoke to NBC Sports about his future in NASCAR in an interview. Ahead of the Cup Series race at the Michigan International Speedway, the Joe Gibbs Racing team broke the news to him.

In conversation with NBCSN, he admitted, “I was blindsided a little bit. I didn’t really expect it coming from our talks. I thought we were moving in a good direction, but at the end of the day, I’ve had a great really eight years almost with Joe Gibbs Racing between Xfinity and Cup, and I’m thankful for that time.”

What else did Erik Jones say?

He appreciated the support from the fans, especially from social media. The driver also acknowledged the fans who have been allowed to attend races, at the discretion of the local authorities.

Erik Jones assured that there are plenty of big fish in the sea, so he simply has to be patient and wait for the right opportunities.

He also said that he is excited to compete in the next 15 races where he can prove his worth to prospective teams. However, he is not the only driver in the 2021 free agent pool.

This is his third season behind the wheel of JGR’s No. 20 Toyota and ranks 15th in the Cup Series standings.

According to The Athletic, Christopher Bell is set to take over Jones’ seat in 2021. For the moment, Bell is competing under the Leavine Family Racing flag, but that team will cease to exist next season.

Naturally, Bell is thrilled that his immediate NASCAR future is secure. Meanwhile, poor old Erik Jones will be hunting for a vacant seat to race in the 2021 Cup Series.

ALSO READ- Bob Leavine to Sell Family-Owned NASCAR Team at the End of 2020 Season

SOURCE- NASCAR.com, The Athletic