NASCAR Rumor: Joe Gibbs’ Discarded Driver Set to Make JGR Return Amidst Martin Truex Jr’s Imminent Retirement

There are raging updates in NASCAR lately. After the shocking announcement of Stewart-Haas Racing closing, now, people have to deal with Martin Truex Jr. hanging up his firesuit by the end of 2024. On June 14, while sharing the news, he stated, “I would say I’ve achieved more than I ever thought I would.” Driving in the Cup Series since 2006, he has led a glittering career so far. But the end of his career so soon is evidently a shock to Truex’s fans.

However, an immediate pressing question follows this news. Who will replace Truex in the JGR No. 19 Toyota? Experts rounded up a few potential names. But NASCAR fandom voiced strong support for one driver who used to race beside Truex. Who is it?

An ex-JGR driver is on the cards to replace Martin Truex Jr.

When whispers of Martin Truex Jr’s retirement floated online, a few drivers were named as his potential successors. Chase Briscoe received the foremost preference, as the top-performing SHR driver is in dire need of a seat in light of SHR’s exit. Then his teammate Noah Gragson and JGR Xfinity driver Chandler Smith also popped up. But a fourth possibility is Erik Jones, who currently drives at Legacy Motor Club.

Posting a long top-ten finish in Daytona, Erik Jones’ 2024 fate could not be any worse. His last win came in 2022 at the Southern 500 race for his team, then called Petty GMS Motorsports. Jones prevailed over JGR driver Denny Hamlin, who tipped his hat: “Erik just did a really great job.” Even Martin Truex Jr. held the lead over Jones before a steering problem crashed him out.

This victory may have produced pangs of regret for his old team owner, Joe Gibbs. Erik Jones was ejected in the 2020 season (joined in 2015), and many people questioned the decision. He won the Daytona 500 in dominating fashion, belittling veterans like Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch, and snatching the white flag from Martin Truex Jr. on the last lap. Then in 2019, he fetched a Southern 500 trophy for JGR.

Hence, Joe Gibbs might be considering calling Erik Jones back into his fold. Jones’ qualities shone before he entered the Cup. At age 19, he won a Craftsman Truck Series title. Jones also snatched eight Xfinity Series wins before he could legally drink. Currently, his LMC fortunes seem to be dwindling. Given his superior performance at Joe Gibbs Racing, Erik Jones may be a good call for Martin Truex Jr’s replacement.

But how likely is this to happen? Let us not forget that in 2020, Gibbs’s decision surprised Jones. The driver was under the impression that contract decisions were happening. “I was blindsided a little bit. I didn’t expect it, coming from our talks. I thought we were moving in a good direction,” Jones had said on NBC Sports. So, it would be interesting to see if the driver decides to let go of the old pain. But what do fans want? NASCAR fans decided to take over social media and rally behind the driver.

The NASCAR community is rooting for Erik Jones!

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As Martin Truex Jr’s racing career draws to a close, fans are pumped to see who is worthy of filling his shoes. Most people are all in for Chase Briscoe, the talented SHR driver who needs a ride in 2025. As one fan vehemently rooted for Briscoe, another fan chipped in with his tweaked take, supporting a three-time Cup winner instead: “no hate for briscoe, I just selfishly want Erik Jones to get the seat instead.”

This fan was not alone in their deflection from the popular view. Another fan ardently laid forth an argument for Jones. They suggested Briscoe should take Jones’ LMC spot instead and earn his way into JGR. “@Erik_Jones deserves to be in the @JoeGibbsRacing 19 which should be switched to the 18 immediately. Put @ChaseBriscoe_ in a Legacy car and make him earn it like Erik has. I call it the win in the 43 challenge. Erik earned it because the GOAT is a class act.”

Remember how Jones previously drove the No. 20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing? Unfortunately, he was replaced by Christopher Bell after the 2020 NASCAR season. While not many were happy with this decision, it seems fate is giving him another chance.

Others also chimed in with almost blind support for the former JGR driver. A NASCAR expert popped the question about who deserves to replace 34-time Cup winner Truex. Some fans are unequivocally named Jones. “Erik Jones Deserves it.” Another fan invalidated all the other options: “Erik Jones. That is all.”

While nothing is confirmed now, below are the names that make sense for JGR:
1. Chase Briscoe
2. Noah Gragson
3. John Hunter Nemechek
4. Erik Jones
5. Corey Heim

Evidently, a large chunk of the NASCAR community wants to see Erik Jones back in a Joe Gibbs Racing Cup car. So far, he has 37 top-5s, 89 top-10s, and 269 starts in his career. The racer proved his mettle three times in the Cup Series already. Hence, Joe Gibbs may yield to fan demand. What do you think?