Heartbreak at Daytona. Legacy Motor Club’s Erik Jones thought he had won Duel 2, but NASCAR had other plans. Just moments after celebrating his apparent victory, officials rescinded his win, handing it instead to Austin Cindric—a decision that left Jimmie Johnson fuming.
Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and now co-owner of Legacy Motor Club, stood by his driver after the devastating call, telling Jones:
“You’re still a winner to me… That’s bull**.”**
Erik Jones’ Duel Win Stripped—What Happened?
Jones had crossed the finish line first and even drove to the frontstretch to celebrate, unaware that a caution had been thrown just moments before.
According to NASCAR’s rulebook, the field is frozen at the moment of caution, meaning that Austin Cindric was leading at that exact moment—not Jones.
Jones, understandably gutted, tried to remain composed when speaking after the race:
“Yeah, I mean that’s the rules and that’s their [NASCAR’s] call. So, it’s part of it. But yeah, I’ve never been in that spot, so it’s a bummer. Would have loved to start out with a win.”
Jimmie Johnson’s Fiery Response
While Jones remained diplomatic, Johnson didn’t hold back. He confronted his driver with encouragement, but then took direct aim at NASCAR’s ruling.
“You’re still a winner to me… That’s bull**.”**
Johnson’s frustration is understandable. His Legacy Motor Club team, which recently transitioned to Toyota, was looking for a huge momentum boost heading into Sunday’s Daytona 500. A Duel win would have been a powerful statement, proving that LMC’s offseason efforts were paying off.
Instead, the team had victory ripped away, leaving lingering frustration and missed momentum.
Johnson’s Personal Victory: Direct Qualification into the Daytona 500
Despite the controversy, Johnson had reason to celebrate—he successfully qualified for the Daytona 500 as an open entry, something he failed to do last year.
The relief was palpable, with Johnson admitting the stress had been haunting him for months:
“It’s a big weight lifted off, to say the least. The experience I had last year, it’s been ringing through my brain at night. I’ve jumped out of bed a few times with some nightmares as this day got closer.”
Now, with the starting spot secured, Johnson can focus on Sunday’s Great American Race, where he hopes to make a strong return on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
Can Legacy Motor Club Bounce Back?
Despite the setback, Jones and the Legacy Motor Club team have shown undeniable speed at Daytona. With Johnson’s leadership and fire, the organization is more motivated than ever to prove itself on race day.
Final Thought: Did NASCAR Get It Right?
While NASCAR’s decision was technically correct, it doesn’t change the gut-wrenching reality for Jones and LMC. A victory is a victory, and seeing it stripped away is a brutal pill to swallow.
Now, all eyes turn to Sunday’s Daytona 500—where Jones and Johnson will look for redemption, and perhaps, a win that no rulebook can take away.
