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Legacy Motor Club driver Erik Jones sustained a back injury during NASCAR's visit to Talladega Superspeedway. Jones continues to recover from the compression fracture in the lower vertebra and is set to miss Würth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway.
The Jimmie Johnson-led organization recently announced NASCAR Truck Series driver Corey Heim as the replacement for this weekend's race at the Monster Mile. The 21-year-old will make his Cup Series debut in Jones's #43 Toyota this weekend.
Whilst continuing to recover from his injuries, Erik Jones attended a press conference at Dover Motor Speedway on Saturday, April 27. Furthermore, Legacy Motor Club announced that Jones will assist the team over the weekend, mentoring Corey Heim through his debut outing.
"@Erik_Jones will be in Dover all weekend, assisting the team and helping LEGACY M.C.’s reserve driver @CoreyHeim_ as he makes his first start in a NASCAR Cup Series vehicle," the statement from Legacy Motor Club read.
Erik Jones also elaborated on the sequence of events following his head-on crash with the barriers in the final stage at Talladega Superspeedway. Jones said that his back hurt after the impact but he felt better when he got out of his #43 Toyota.
At the infield care center, Jones believed he had a muscle strain and left the care center. However, after reaching his motorhome, the pain amplified and he was taken to the hospital. The 27-year-old driver indicated that his injury was on the mild side. He said in the press conference:
"I feel pretty good...My injury, fortunately, is on the mild side," via Kelly Crandall on X/Twitter.
Jones added that he has another appointment scheduled next weekend, and will decide if he will return behind the wheel for the upcoming races.
Jimmie Johnson doesn't rule out subbing for Erik Jones
Legacy Motor Club co-owner Jimmie Johnson hasn't ruled out driving the #43 Toyota until Erik Jones recovers from his injuries and is cleared to return behind the wheel.
The seven-time Cup champion won't take over the #43 Toyota for the next weekend, as he is scheduled to drive the team's third entry at Kansas Speedway. He will also be behind the wheel of his #84 Toyota this weekend at Dover.
"Asked by @bobpockrass whether Corey Heim will be in the No. 43 car every week until Erik Jones returns from injury, Jimmie Johnson wouldn't rule out driving the car himself (not next week though, as Johnson is already in the third car at Kansas)," Jeff Gluck wrote on X/ Twitter.
The Würth 400 at Dover Motor Speedway is scheduled for this Sunday, April 28 at 2:00 PM ET.
