CONCORD, N.C. – Erik Jones, who is currently in his third full season with Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, will not return to the team next year according published reports.

FOX Sports first reported the news Tuesday evening on NASCAR Race Hub on FS1.

Jones joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2018 after contesting his rookie year at NASCAR’s top level with Furniture Row Racing in 2017. In 92 starts with Joe Gibbs Racing, Jones has scored two victories, 24 top fives and 43 top-10 finishes.

His two victories came at Daytona Int’l Speedway in 2018 and at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway in 2019 during the Southern 500. He also won the pre-season Busch Clash at Daytona Int’l Speedway this year.

The report comes days after Leavine Family Racing owner Bob Leavine announced he had sold his race team, which has an alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing. Christopher Bell, who is under contract to Joe Gibbs Racing, is currently contesting his rookie season at the Cup Series level with Leavine Family Racing.

Bell spoke to SPEED SPORT reporter Kyle McFadden Wednesday during the USAC Eastern Midget Week event at Action Track USA in Kutztown, Pa. He said he was disappointed to find out about Leavine Family Racing’s closure, but didn’t discuss what his plans were for 2021 and beyond.

Bell is believed to be the likely candidate to fill the vacant seat in the Joe Gibbs Racing stable.

“Obviously disappointing to get that news, but it’s been business as usual,” Bell said Wednesday. “It doesn’t affect us until next year. Right now we’re focused on doing the best we can at Michigan and the rest of the year.

“We’re just in a sport where there’s a lot of really talented drivers and unfortunately there’s not a lot of cars. I don’t know where it’s all going to fall, obviously a lot up in the air, but I’m fortunate to be racing the rest of the year.”