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2016 Season in Review: Erik Jones

NASCAR XFINITY Series Ford EcoBoost 300

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Erik Jones, driver of the #20 GameStop/PowerA Toyota, races during the NASCAR XFINITY Series Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 19, 2016 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Erik Jones

CREW CHIEF: Chris Gabehart

TEAM: Joe Gibbs Racing

POINTS: 4th

WINS: 4 (Bristol I, Dover I, Iowa II, Chicago)

LAPS LED: 627 (career-high)

TOP 5s: 15 (career-high)

TOP 10s: 20 (career-high)

POLES: 9 (Phoenix I, Bristol I, Charlotte I, Pocono, Iowa I, Bristol II, Kentucky II, Dover II)

WHAT WENT RIGHT: Jones earned Rookie of the Year honors and led the Xfinity Series regulars with four wins … Qualified for the inaugural Chase and advanced to the final round at Homestead-Miami Speedway … Improved upon his top five and top-10 finishes from last year during a part-time schedule … Led laps in 22 of 33 races.

WHAT WENT WRONG: Cole Whitt on old tires at Homestead-Miami ended his chance at racing for the championship on the final restart. Jones finished fourth in points despite leading series regulars in wins and laps led … Led 100 laps at Kentucky (the first Chase race) and crashed late. Also led a total of 215 laps during the Chase but did not win a Chase race.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2017: Jones joins a newly formed second team at Furniture Row Racing and moves to the NASCAR premier series.

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