Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jimmie Johnson admits that Erik Jones won’t make it to playoff on points due to Talladega crash

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Justin P Joy | Last updated 5/10/24

Legacy Motor Club is going through a tough patch since making their Toyota debut in 2024. They haven’t been able produce solid performances that put them in contention for wins as they previously expected. Amidst the tough times Erik Jones reminded as a driver to bank on for them with his consistent performances till the race at Talladega.

Erik Jones was involved in a violent all-Toyota crash at Dega. While drafting together with his teammates, a poor decision making from John Hunter Namecheck resulted in the No:43 Camry slamming hard on to the outside wall. Jones was hospitalized after the injury and missed out on the last two races, with Corey Heim taking his place.

He is set to make his return this week at Darlington and is coming in hoping for make a solid comeback. But he now has to put in extra effort for the coming 13 races to win one and secure playoffs, as according LMC’s owner-driver Jimmie Johnson there is now no chance his driver can make it to last-16 on points.

Really feel like Eric on points would have been able to make it in the top 16. So, I hated that that opportunity is closed for him. It’s not over. We still want to race and Eric’s very capable of winning. We just need to get everything under him. Jimmie Johnson told PRN.

Erik Jones claims his minimal injury from the crash is a testament to the car’s safety

As per data, the impact Erik Jones suffered due to the crash was similar to the one that was suffered by Ryan Blaney during his violent crash at Daytona, from which the reigning champion walked out without a scratch. So, questions started to arise over safety of the cars. But Jones asserted that it was not the case and if the car wasn’t safer his injury would have been much bigger.

The wreck and the injury I had, it could have been a lot worse in a lot of ways. I think that is a testament to the safety. Erik Jones said.

The former JGR driver seems to be more composed and confident coming into Darlington. It’s one his favourite tracks, as he has won there twice In his career and can hope for a solid finish, and if he has a great car, a win.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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