In 2021, when Richard Petty started coming to the track more often, it was to see his iconic number 43. That was the same year Erik Jones started driving his iconic car for Petty GMS Motorsports, now known as Legacy Motor Club. For Richard Petty, Jones always had the potential. And can we say he is wrong? After all, the latter has secured three wins in the Cup Series, including two at the Southern 500 held at the challenging Darlington Raceway.

But, there is more in common with Richard Petty and Erik Jones than the number 43 car. There is some pain associated with Jones which has fueled his journey elsewhere – ensuring no one else goes through it again. But, the same pain shows that he is so much more than a race car driver. He is a driver with values, and a mission to accomplish something big for his community, just like Richard Petty.

Erik Jones’s struggle with cancer at home and a will to change outcomes

The Michigan-born driver has a hard-hitting story behind his charity work. His father, Dave Jones, lost his life after a very brief battle with melanoma in 2016. And then, twice, once in 2013 and once in 2019, his mother was diagnosed with cancer. But she was lucky enough to beat it. In a fitting tribute to his late father, one week after his passing, Erik Jones won the race at the Berlin Speedway in his home state of Michigan.

And now, Jones has made it a mission to raise cancer awareness. Currently, Jones’ mother is cancer-free, and she spends most of her time volunteering at her son’s Foundation. The focus of the foundation is on raising literacy, improving animal welfare, raising cancer awareness, and encouraging early detection. And, while the work at the foundation is continuing, there is good news.

It is set to receive $60,000 from Comcast, having won their ‘Community Champion of the Year’ award. Here, as Erik Jones‘ contributions are being recognized, it is important to know that he is only the 10th person to receive this award and is one of the most charitable faces in NASCAR.

So, when he received the recognition, Erik Jones used five words and a million feelings to say that it means a lot: “My dad would be proud.” The emotions are as loud as they can get without the actual volume raised.

As per Jayski, “In its first year, the Foundation donated $20,000 to the Melanoma Research Foundation and distributed hundreds of thousands of sunscreen samples to raise awareness about sun safety. Additionally, the Foundation partnered with the Sun Bus, a mobile skin screening center, to bring free screenings to race fans. Its signature program, the ‘Window of Hope’ pink window net initiative, raises critical funds for breast cancer care and screenings.”

Cancer is not the only focus the foundation has. Let’s take a look at the different ways Erik Jones tries to give back to the community.

Jones’ foundation and his efforts to improve literacy and animal welfare

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Other than cancer, Jones has committed himself to improving youth literacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he started with #ReadWithErik,  a weekly Facebook Live series that included live readings at schools and racetracks across the country. His Foundation has also provided book vending machines to schools and launched a pen pal program to promote reading and writing.

Additionally, Jones is dedicated to animal welfare, collaborating with organizations such as the Mid-Michigan K9 Association, Adopt-A-Pet Fenton, and Rescue Ranch, while also donating to animal shelters nationwide. As per Speedway Digest, Erik said, “Being named the 2024, Comcast Community Champion of the Year is a testament to our team’s hard work, from our board, to my mom, and to my wife, Holly. These funds will help ensure the Foundation’s sustainability long after my racing career and make a big difference in our grant-making efforts and support the areas we care about.”

Jones was selected by a panel from Comcast and NASCAR. The panel included Ryan Vargas, the 2023 Comcast Community Champion recognized for his efforts in helping children with Craniosynostosis. “Erik has consistently demonstrated his passion for meeting people where they are—offering support, resources, and hope,” said Matt Lederer, Vice President of Brand Partnerships and Amplification at Comcast. “His dedication to early cancer detection, youth literacy, and animal welfare shows how one individual can create meaningful change. We are proud to name Erik Jones as the 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year.”