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NASCAR driver Erik Jones and his major sponsor Stanley Black & Decker/DeWalt are close to renewing with Joe Gibbs Racing, the first of multiple dominoes set to shake up the team’s lineup. The deals of Jones and Stanley both expire after this year, but Jones’ attorney Alan Miller told THE DAILY that the driver is expected to return to the No. 20 Toyota next year. Sources said Stanley/DeWalt is also expected to renew.
JGR has five drivers it is trying to run in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series next year, but it can only field four cars. JGR’s other three cars are set for next year, so the team would then need to look to its alliance team Leavine Family Racing’s No. 95 Toyota to slot Xfinity Series driver Christopher Bell. Current LFR driver Matt DiBenedetto is unlikely to return to the No. 95 next year, sources said, and Jones’ renewal with JGR’s No. 20 would make Bell the heir apparent to the No. 95.
Meanwhile, NASCAR driver David Ragan will retire after this season. The 33-year-old said that he wants to spend more time with his family. His team, Front Row Motorsports, is expected to remain a three-car outfit next year, but has not yet lined up Ragan’s replacement.
