Saturday, July 23, 2016

Erik Jones Lands First Cinch
Of 2016 XFINITY Series Chase

#NASCAR Erik Jones (photo by Stephanie Bigelow)
For the 18th race of the 2016 NASCAR XFINITY Series season, teams will head to the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Lilly Diabetes 250 and the final race of the 2016 ‘Dash 4 Cash’ program. As teams unload, Erik Jones prepares to make his second start at the 2.5-mile track and rebound from a 34th-place finish in the 2015 event.

Theoretically three championship contenders have won races this season and ‘virtually’ locked themselves into the NASCAR XFINITY Series Chase, but only Erik Jones has captured a berth in the Chase by logging multiple wins and surpassing the threshold in points to not possibly fall out of the top 30 in points. 

By accomplishing both of these criteria, he becomes the first driver this season to clinch his spot. All Jones has to do now is start the remaining nine regular season races on the series schedule and he is in.

#NASCAR Erik Jones (photo by Stephanie Bigelow)


Joe Gibbs Racing’s latest prodigy, Jones is having a season worth noting, especially for a rookie. In 17 starts, Jones has posted a series-leading six poles, two wins and 10 top fives.

Following his second-place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Erik Jones remains fourth in the point standings, 54 points behind teammate and leader Daniel Suarez. He continues to lead the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, 66 points ahead of Brennan Poole.

The Lilly Diabetes 250 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is scheduled for today at 3:30 p.m. ET. Watch and listen live on NBCSN, Sirius XM Channel 90 and MRN Radio. 


NASCAR Release / Jones' Website

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