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What’s new in NASCAR 2018: New drivers, teams, numbers and more

By Nick Tylwalk

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 31: William Byron, driver of the #24 Liberty University Chevrolet during testing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for NASCAR)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 31: William Byron, driver of the #24 Liberty University Chevrolet during testing for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on January 31, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images for NASCAR) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 23: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver, Erik Jones, poses for a photo at Charlotte Convention Center on January 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 23: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver, Erik Jones, poses for a photo at Charlotte Convention Center on January 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Erik Jones

What’s new: Taking over the No. 20 Toyota at Joe Gibbs Racing.

Another one of NASCAR’s baby-faced assassins, Jones did so well on loan to Furniture Row Racing that Joe Gibbs Racing decided to bring him into the fold a little earlier than originally planned. he certainly earned his seat, getting better all year and ripping off six top-10 finishes in a row at one point.

His remarkable consistency is eerily reminiscent of the man he’s replacing, Matt Kenseth. On top of that, the JGR organization is already packed with talent, including top title contender Kyle Busch, perennial playoff participant Denny Hamlin and fellow 2017 rookie Daniel Suarez. Jones will have to adapt quickly to his new surroundings or risk getting left in the dust.

Somehow, we don’t think that will be a problem, and some pundits are already predicting a victory or two for Jones this season. He’s also the sneaky entertaining member of NASCAR’s young guns, less outwardly gregarious than someone like Ryan Blaney but no less fun with a microphone in his hands.

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