NASCAR: Erik Jones Criticizes Austin Dillon’s Tactics at Michigan
Erik Jones has taken a strong stance against Austin Dillon following Dillon’s controversial moves at the Cook Out 400, where Dillon intentionally crashed out two drivers. Jones, who has been competing full-time in the Cup Series since 2017 and has nearly 300 career starts, currently finds himself in a challenging position, ranked 27th in the standings.
Both Jones and Dillon are under significant pressure to secure wins to improve their standings, but their racing philosophies are markedly different.
During a press conference on Saturday, Jones clearly rejected the aggressive tactics recently employed by Dillon.
“No. No, not a chance,” Jones said. “I don’t race that way. I wouldn’t have done it. I can probably count – I honestly don’t know – less than five times that I’ve intentionally wrecked anyone in my entire career.”
Jones emphasized that his approach to racing is guided by a personal code of conduct that rejects deliberate collisions. He expressed that each driver has their own style, but his is centered around respect and fair competition.
Jones’s recent contract extension with Legacy Motor Club reflects the team’s confidence in his skill and integrity, prioritizing a disciplined approach over the more aggressive tactics that might offer short-term gains but risk long-term reputation.
When asked if he could be swayed to adopt more aggressive strategies under certain conditions, Jones remained firm in his principles:
“I don’t think I could do that. That’s not to say that circumstances don’t influence your decisions, and past racing experiences might affect your response. However, it’s just not part of my racing philosophy.”
Jones also noted the broader impact of racing behavior on the sport’s hierarchy, emphasizing that top drivers serve as role models for lower-tier racers:
“What we do on Sunday influences not only Xfinity and Trucks but also ARCA, late models, street stocks, front-wheel drives, quarter midgets, and go-karts. Kids and drivers at all levels look up to what we do and often mimic it. I remember back in 2009, when I first raced a full-size car, my dad and I discussed how earning respect was crucial. Running into people intentionally was not acceptable then, and it should still be avoided.”
He reflected on recent racing trends and their effects:
“I watched the CARS Tour race at Ace on Friday night, and it was alarming how often yellow flags were thrown due to aggressive driving. It’s not the type of racing I enjoy. While some contact is part of racing, there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Wrecking cars has become more normalized, but when I started, rebuilding cars repeatedly wasn’t an option.”
Jones’s remarks underscore a commitment to maintaining respect and sportsmanship within NASCAR, contrasting sharply with the more contentious tactics observed in recent races.
