While he hasn’t won or earned a top five yet, rookie Erik Jones is having an impressive year through six races in the 2017 season.
Jones is 13th in the points standings, putting him ahead of fellow rookies Daniel Suarez, Ty Dillon and Gray Gaulding.
NBC Sports analysts Steve Letarte says Jones is benefiting from his growing pains happening in the shadow of Kyle Larson’s success.
“One top 10 doesn’t look impressive, but we have to remember he’s a rookie,” Letarte said. “He’s been in the top 15 every race since Daytona, yet no one is really talking about him. I think Kyle Larson’s success is doing just that, it’s taking the pressure off Erik Jones.”
Letarte also analyzes the seasons of Ryan Blaney and Kasey Kahne.