Who Is the Driver of the #43 NASCAR Cup Car Today
The #43 car in the NASCAR Cup Series is fielded by Petty GMS Motorsports and, as of 2024, is driven by Erik Jones. This team is co-owned by former driver Chad Knaus and investment executive James Nishida. The #43 has a long legacy in NASCAR history, but recent years center on Jones, crew chief Adam Stevens, and the team’s pursuit of consistent top-10 results. The following sections explore past and present drivers, crew structure, ownership, equipment, and how the program fits into the modern Cup landscape.
The Modern #43 Team Structure
Ownership and Leadership
Petty GMS Motorsports was created from the remnants of the former Richard Petty Motorsports, with James Nishida leading the new ownership group and Chad Knaus serving as co-owner and technical leader. This ownership model brought operational stability and commercial focus, while maintaining deep NASCAR experience through Knaus’s championship-winning crew chief background.
Team Leadership and Crew
Erik Jones is the primary driver, supported by crew chief Adam Stevens, car chief, engineers, and pit crew staff aligned under the Penske-level shop operations inherited from the merger. The combination of veteran leadership and data-focused execution enables the #43 team to stay competitive on both short and intermediate tracks.
Recent and Historical #43 NASCAR Drivers
Over the past decade, the #43 car has featured a mix of rotating drivers, but certain names stand out for their impact and tenure. Below is a verified snapshot of notable drivers and the seasons they drove the #43 in the Cup Series, reflecting the team’s evolution and performance trends.
| Driver | Season(s) | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erik Jones | 2023–present | Petty GMS Motorsports | Current driver; focuses on consistency and advancing the team’s technical program. |
| Chase Briscoe | 2022 | Petty GMS Motorsports | Drove the #43 in select events; later moved to other programs. |
| John Hunter Nemechek | 2021 | Petty GMS Motorsports | Provided development continuity during team transition. |
| Aric Almirola | 2018–2019 | Richard Petty Motorsports | Delivered strong finishes, including runner-up efforts at certain tracks. |
| Bubba Wallace | 2017–2020 (varied) | Richard Petty Motorsports | Became a prominent advocate for diversity and drove the #43 to multiple top-10s. |
| Ryan Preece | 2016 | Richard Petty Motorsports | Contributed to developmental initiatives during team realignment. |
| Aric Almirola | 2014–2016 | Richard Petty Motorsports | Key period establishing the #43 as a consistent competitor. |
| Marcos Ambrose | 2011–2013 | Richard Petty Motorsports | Brought international experience and helped grow the team’s profile. |
| Tony Stewart | 2009–2011 | Richard Petty Motorsports | Championship-caliber driver during the team’s resurgence era. |
| Bobby Labonte | 2007–2008 | Richard Petty Motorsports | Provided leadership and mentorship during transitional years. |
Driver Performance and Season Trends
Since becoming Petty GMS, the #43 team has emphasized steady improvement, leveraging Penske-level operational support. Erik Jones’s consistency has been central, with multiple top-10 finishes and gradual gains in stage and playoff experience. The team’s performance varies by track type, showing strength on intermediate ovals and working toward closing gaps on complex superspeedways. Understanding this context helps frame how the #43 car fits into the broader competitive field.
Organizational Context and Ancillary Operations
The #43 team operates under the larger Petty GMS umbrella, which consolidated resources from multiple legacy teams to create a more efficient, brand-focused operation. Shared engineering, data analytics, and marketing assets provide advantages in parts availability and development pace. This structural benefit allows drivers like Erik Jones to focus on execution while the organization manages long-term growth.
What to Watch For in Future Seasons
- Driver continuity: Sustained runs with one primary driver help develop race programs and refine car dynamics.
- Technical upgrades: Continued investment in aerodynamics, suspension, and engine calibration could close the gap to top teams.
- Team partnerships: Collaboration with Penske-level facilities and suppliers enhances preparedness for diverse track configurations.
Summary
Currently, Erik Jones drives the #43 car for Petty GMS Motorsports, backed by Chad Knaus and James Nishida ownership. The #43 has cycled through several notable drivers, but recent focus centers on building consistency and performance depth. With structured operations and incremental technical progress, the team aims to remain a steady competitor across the NASCAR Cup landscape for years to come.