Jones lands iconic No. 43 with Richard Petty Motorsports
By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Richard Petty Motorsports will enter the next chapter of its storied history with driver Erik Jones. The pairing gives Petty a proven winner to replace Bubba Wallace. Wallace is leaving at the end of the season. His departure could have crippled the cash-strapped Petty organization, but the team instead landed one of the top available talents. Jones was released after six seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing because the megateam needed a seat for a new prospect. The volatile free-agent market helped Jones slide to Petty.