Legacy Motor Club is embarking on a new journey as a Toyota team, and with this transformation comes a sense of uncertainty. However, driver Erik Jones is already seeing a shift in perspective for the upcoming season. Last year, the team was unsure of what to expect after announcing the switch to Toyota, but this year feels different. While they may not be exactly where they want to be yet, there is a clear path forward and a sense of anticipation and hope. With new partners on board, such as AdventHealth, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree, there is a renewed sense of optimism among the team.
Jones, who is entering his fourth season driving the No. 43 car, has experienced numerous changes throughout his time with the race team. From different teammates to various iterations of the team itself, he has always approached each season with optimism. This time, however, he doesn’t need to force any positivity. Despite the ongoing work behind the scenes, there is potential and stability. While it has been a long road for Jones in the Cup series, this year feels different. The team is working hard, and they have the support of their partners and Toyota. Having a manufacturer that wants them to succeed can make a significant difference.
Legacy Motor Club made the switch from Chevrolet to Toyota over the winter, giving Toyota two additional cars in the Cup Series. This marks the first time since 2011 that Toyota has had eight full-time teams. However, unlike in previous years, the organization is standing on its own without an alliance partner. This season, they have more resources available through their partnership with Toyota, allowing for employee growth and department expansion at the race shop. The possibilities are endless, but it is crucial to utilize the data effectively and get things moving in the right direction.
Jones acknowledges that there are still many questions to answer, but he is encouraged by the progress made with Legacy’s new setup. The expectation is that the team can only go up from here. The season begins with two superspeedways followed by a mix of different track types. Jones believes that as the season progresses, the expectations will change, but Legacy will quickly understand where they stand. While there is still a lot of work to be done, Jones is confident that they will have a good sense of their performance after the races in Vegas and Phoenix.
According to the Source racer.com