Xfinity Series driver Jones to defend his title as the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 champion
TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY Q&A
FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Motor Speedway will always be special to NASCAR driver Erik Jones.
Now 19, Jones missed his high school graduation in June 2014 to run a truck race at TMS, but track officials provided a cap and gown — with sponsor logos, of course — to celebrate his graduation from high school during prerace activities.
Last year, Jones earned his second NASCAR victory in the Xfinity Series at Texas, and ran his second Sprint Cup race at the track.
At 7:30 p.m. Friday, he’ll be back on the track to defend his title as the Xfinity O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 champion.
Q: Do you enjoy coming back to Texas, where you’ve had so many fun moments?
A: “Yes, it’s a good time anytime you come back to a track as a defending race winner. It’s a pretty special place for me, a pretty fun place for me. It’s different. It’s aged and fast, so we can put on a good show for the fans. And it makes it fun for the drivers.”
“I learned a little bit. There were a couple races where it was my mistake that led to some unfortunate things for us. So many of our struggles were circumstance and part failures that there wasn’t a whole lot we could do, in general. We definitely got a lot better in the second half of the season. Fortunately with the Chase format in Xfinity this year, you can be having whatever kind of year, but if you knock out a win, you’re in a good spot. We want to get that win knocked out here soon and be comfortable.”
“There’s a plan in place that will be put into motion later this year, and really, my performance this year isn’t going to be indicative of where that will end up. When it’s time for that, it’s time for that. I’m pretty focused on hopefully getting this Xfinity championship. That would be a great accomplishment for me. I’m excited to see what the next three years are going to bring. I think it’s going to be pretty fun.”
“Yeah it does. This is the first time in my career I’ve been in a position where I’m set in my future, at this point at least. That’s a great feeling as a young driver. I still fight every week like I always have, but it’s nice not to have that added pressure of wondering what my future holds or what’s gonna happen. It’s more relaxing knowing I can go out and do my best, and if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.”