Brandon Jones’ rumored return to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season is sparking heated debate among fans. While some view the potential move as an opportunity for Jones to reignite his career, others see it as undeserved, fueled more by his family’s financial backing than his on-track performance.
After two underwhelming seasons at JR Motorsports (JRM)—where he failed to secure a win or make the playoffs in either year—Jones’ rumored promotion to the No. 20 car at JGR has many scratching their heads.
From Momentum to Mediocrity
Jones’ five-year tenure with JGR from 2018 to 2022 saw moderate success, including five race wins and five consecutive playoff appearances. However, his exit from JGR was overshadowed by an infamous incident at the 2022 Martinsville race. Teammate Ty Gibbs bumped Jones out of contention for the Championship 4 in a move widely criticized as selfish and unnecessary, considering Gibbs had already secured his playoff spot.
When Jones left JGR for JRM in 2023, it seemed like a fresh start. But instead of building on his past momentum, Jones struggled:
- 2023 Season: Zero wins, no playoff berth, a string of wrecks, and a best finish of 14th in the standings.
- 2024 Season: Improved consistency but still lackluster, finishing 14th again with eight top-tens and just one top-five.
These results, far from championship-caliber, have left fans questioning why JGR would give Jones another shot.
Fans React: Talent vs. Sponsorship Money
The skepticism from fans largely stems from Jones’ family connection to Rheem Comfort Products, a long-time sponsor of JGR. Many believe his father, JR Jones—CEO of Rheem—plays a significant role in securing high-profile rides for Brandon, regardless of his performance.
One fan commented:
“In other words, JGR needs his dad’s money so you can have your ride back.”
Another remarked on Jones’ perceived inability to capitalize on elite equipment:
“It’s insufferable that he just keeps getting top rides and is just so damn below mid. Seeing Brandon Jones announcements is like being excited about room-temperature milk from a platypus.”
Others questioned the logic of moving Jones to the No. 20 car instead of reinstating him in the No. 19 Toyota, where he found prior success:
“Seems like a pointless change considering he was in the 19.”
Does Jones Deserve a Second Chance at JGR?
While many fans are critical, some acknowledge that Jones has shown flashes of talent, particularly during his JGR tenure. His 2022 Martinsville performance—until it was derailed by Gibbs—was a reminder of his potential. Furthermore, his dedication to fitness and mental preparation for the 2024 season shows a willingness to improve.
Jones himself reflected on his struggles, noting the challenges of avoiding wrecks and finding consistency:
“Doing a cold plunge, insanely hard workouts…it’s not going to make me win a race, but if I can come into the weekend a little more up in my own head, that’s what I’m aiming for.”
The Bigger Picture: NASCAR’s Sponsorship-Driven Landscape
The rumors about Jones’ return highlight a larger issue in NASCAR: the balance between talent and financial backing. Teams often need deep-pocketed sponsors to survive, and drivers like Jones, who bring substantial funding, can find opportunities others might not.
One fan summarized this sentiment:
“The dude needs to quit. He hasn’t had success in arguably the two best cars in the field.”
Can Jones Turn His Career Around?
If the rumors are true, Jones will have a golden opportunity to prove his critics wrong. JGR remains one of the top-tier teams in NASCAR, and the No. 20 car has historically been competitive. However, the pressure will be immense, and another lackluster season could permanently tarnish his reputation.
For now, fans remain divided. Some are eager to see if Jones can recapture the form he showed during his first stint at JGR. Others, however, are tired of what they perceive as wasted opportunities being handed to a driver who hasn’t earned them.
Only time will tell if Jones can silence the doubters—or confirm their suspicions. 2025 might just be the defining season of his career.