Unfortunately, Erik Jones will not be able to race this weekend at Dover for the Wurth 400. Corey Heim will replace him. Heim signed on to be the replacement driver for Legacy Motor Club in the offseason. It will be his first-ever start in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Erik Jones was involved in an all-Toyota wreck at Talladega. His car was hooked up into the outside wall, not something you ever want to see on a NASCAR track.
Jones had been checked out at the care center and released at the time before going back to the care center and then going to a nearby hospital. He suffered a compression fracture in a lower vertebrae as a result.
Corey Heim will make his Cup Series debut as Jones heals up from the wreck.
Corey Heim is one of Toyota’s most talented prospects. Along with fellow Georgia driver Chandler Smith in the Xfinity Series, it feels like those two are next up when that time may come. Right now, it is officially Heim Time.
This season in the Craftsman Truck Series, Heim has finished all seven races in the top 10. He has a win and four top-5 finishes to go along with a pair of top-10s. Heim also has a top-5 finish in the Xfinity Series from Richmond.
While it is due to unfortunate circumstances, this is a big opportunity for Heim. His only NASCAR start at Dover was in the Xfinity Series in 2023. He unfortunately was a P35 DNF. Legacy Motor Club fans can expect Heim to be patient, learn each lap, and to make the most of his day.
Corey Heim filling in, no timeline for Erik Jones’ return
When the wreck happened on Sunday, it felt like something bad had just happened. Those are the nastiest hits in NASCAR and have injured and done worse to many other drivers in the past. Right now, there is no timeline for when Erik Jones will return to the 43 car.
So, Corey Heim is stepping up. It is not a decision that drivers take lightly, leaving the car. Jones and Legacy Motor Club will apply for a waiver to still qualify for the playoff race. That will assuredly be granted as it has for other injured drivers in the past.
Jimmie Johnson, team co-owner, wanted to make things clear – Erik’s health is the most important thing right now.
“Erik’s long-term health is our number one priority,” said Johnson. “It will be great to see him at the track Sunday and we intend to give him the time it takes to recover properly. I know Corey will do a great job behind the wheel for the CLUB. In the meantime, our thoughts are with Erik and his wife Holly – they have our total support.”
While we don’t know all of the details, this sounds a lot like the Alex Bowman injury from last year and the Denny Hamlin injury from before that. It could take one to two months to heal or sooner than that. For now, no timetable for a return and Corey Heim is in control of that 43 car.
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