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Erik Jones cleared by doctors, will sit out Kansas out of ‘an abundance of caution’
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Erik Jones cleared by doctors, will sit out Kansas out of ‘an abundance of caution’

Originally posted on 5 GOATs  |  By Jonathan Howard  |  Last updated 5/2/24

A doctor has cleared Erik Jones to return to racing. While he is sitting out this week, he will return for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington. Legacy Motor Club is taking a lot of caution and waiting another week for Jones to return to NASCAR.

So, that means Corey Heim is going to get one more Cup Series start during this stint. It is impressive that Erik Jones will be able to return to the car so soon. Alex Bowman missed four races a year ago due to a similar fracture. In 2013, Denny Hamlin sat out three races.

The good news is that Jones is healthy enough to race. He will have issues with feeling his car and adjusting as he continues to heal. However, this is a step in the right direction and a positive development overall.

Legacy Motor Club released an announcement Thursday afternoon.

“Erik Jones has been cleared to race by doctors and approved to return by NASCAR, but out of an abundance of caution, the team has opted for Jones to rest for another event. Corey Heim will drive the No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE at Kansas Speedway this weekend.

“Jones will attend the race at Kansas Speedway to support crew chief Dave Elenz and the No. 43 team and plans to return to the driver’s seat next weekend at Darlington Raceway – a track where he has two NASCAR Cup Series victories.”

Erik Jones will return for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington. He has two Southern 500 wins at The Lady in Black. He has not been able to win the shorter version of the race, but he will make his return there this season.

Jones was injured during a wreck at Talladega a couple of weeks back. He received a compression fracture in his lower back. Jones had to sit out of the Dover race last week as Corey Heim filled in. After just a short time away from the car, Jones appears prepared to return to racing.

Erik Jones agrees with Legacy Motor Club’s decision

It makes sense to have Erik Jones sit out another week. Legacy Motor Club has probably worked this week assuming that Corey Heim would be in the car. All of that prep and making sure Jones doesn’t rush into things too soon are important.

Doctors can say that Jones is good to go, physically. However, there are other factors to consider. If Jones feels like he needs time, if Legacy doesn’t want him to rush it and reinjure himself – those are all valid reasons to sit out Kansas.

“I agree with [Legacy Motor Club]’s decision to ensure proper rest before I get back in the car,” Jones wrote on social media. “I will be in Kansas this weekend to continue to support the No. 43 team and [Corey Heim] and I look forward to being back behind the wheel at Darlington.”

Erik Jones has a career-best finish of P5 in the Goodyear 400. A win would allow him to steal a playoff spot and would be quite the statement after his injury. Based on previous injuries with other drivers, I’m not sure what to expect from Jones this season.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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