While Erik Jones’ NASCAR season may not have set the track ablaze, his off-track endeavors have cemented him as a true hero. In a year when the Legacy Motor Club driver finished 28th in the Cup Series standings, his contributions beyond racing have roared louder than any engine. From fighting cancer to rescuing storm-stricken livestock, Jones is proving that sometimes, victory is measured in lives touched, not laps completed.
From cancer crusader to hurricane hero
Jones’ commitment to charity isn’t new. His Erik Jones Foundation has been a lifeline for numerous causes, with a particular focus on early cancer screenings and education. This dedication earned him the prestigious 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year award and a $60,000 grant to further his foundation’s impact. But when Hurricane Helene ravaged the Southeast last year, Jones shifted gears to tackle a new crisis.
The category-four storm left billions in damages, displacing families and devastating communities across North Carolina and beyond. True to form, Jones didn’t just focus on human needs—he extended his compassion to animals. Recognizing the winter hardships facing livestock in flood-affected regions, Jones partnered with Michigan farmers to deliver essential winter feed, offering relief to struggling farmers and their animals.
A statement from the Erik Jones Foundation proudly highlighted their efforts:
“The Erik Jones Foundation is proud to support animals in need following the devastating flooding in Western North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene. We teamed up with a group of farmers from Northern Michigan to ship essential winter feed, providing much-needed relief to those affected. This partnership is a reflection of Erik’s connection to his two home states.”
A tale of two homes: Michigan roots and North Carolina ties
Jones’ deep ties to both Michigan and North Carolina make his efforts all the more personal. Born in Byron, Michigan, Jones first made his mark racing midget cars at just seven years old. Today, he resides in Cornelius, North Carolina, with his wife Holly Shelton and their son, David Wayne Jones. Hurricane Helene’s impact hit both regions close to his heart, inspiring the racer to act swiftly to aid his two “home” states.
For farmers struggling in Helene’s aftermath, Jones’ intervention couldn’t come at a better time. With winter temperatures biting and resources dwindling, the shipments of winter feed are more than just supplies—they’re a lifeline.
More than a racer: the many layers of Erik Jones
Jones’ commitment to making a difference isn’t confined to disaster relief. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched #ReadWithErik, an initiative to promote literacy. From reading children’s books on Facebook to hosting in-person events at racetracks and schools, Jones has made uplifting communities a cornerstone of his identity.
This selflessness hasn’t gone unnoticed. Comcast’s vice president of brand partnerships, Matt Lederer, summed it up:
“Erik has consistently demonstrated his passion for meeting people where they are—offering support, resources, and hope.”
A hero off the track, but what about on it?
While Jones’ generosity shines brightly, his racing career has hit a rough patch. The 2024 Cup Series campaign was a struggle, with just one top-five and two top-ten finishes. Yet, his efforts off the track are proof that a champion’s spirit isn’t defined by trophies alone. The real question now is: can Jones translate his heart-stopping moves in the community back to the racetrack in 2025?
