Just days before competing in the WURTH 400 at Texas Motor Speedway, Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth x Texas Health Toyota Camry, visited Annette Perry Elementary School located in Mansfield, Texas.
Erik Jones and The Erik Jones Foundation partnered with Texas Health to speak to first grade classes about the importance of literacy and read a short story to students. The Erik Jones Foundation donated the story “If I Built a Car” by Chris Van Dusen to each child in attendance.
“It was really special to partner with Texas Health and spend time reading to a couple first-grade classes this week. Promoting literacy is one of the core pillars of the Erik Jones Foundation, so having the chance to share that message with young students means a lot to me. Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies away from the racetrack, and I hope we can inspire kids to develop that same love for books and learning.”
When the racecar driver established his foundation in 2021, he made “igniting a passion for reading” part of its mission. Book vending machines have become a signature part of his community efforts after Jones purchased one for his former elementary school and the school saw a 300% increase in the number of kids who chose a book as their reward for being good students. Jones was the recipient of the 2024 Comcast Community Champion of the Year for his work in the three key pillars of the Erik Jones Foundation: early cancer screening and detection, reading literacy and animal welfare.
“At Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, we’re committed to building healthier communities, and we believe early literacy plays a vital role in the well-being of our children,” said Eulanie Lashley, President & CEO. “Partnering with Erik Jones and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB to bring his love of reading to local students is an exciting opportunity to inspire young minds and help spark a lifelong passion for learning.”
On May 4, Jones will pilot the No. 43 AdventHealth x Texas Health Toyota Camry in the WURTH 400 at Texas Motor Speedway, marking the fifth of eight races he will drive the AdventHealth-sponsored car. Texas ranks as Jones’ best active track with an average finish of just 12.3, including three top fives, seven top 10’s and 116 total laps led in 13 total starts at the 1.5-mile quad-oval.
"We are thrilled NASCAR driver Erik Jones visited today, not only to encourage our students to explore the world of books by reading to them, but also by donating a gift that will foster a love of literacy throughout their years at Annette Perry Elementary," Board President, Keziah Farrar said. "We appreciate AdventHealth's continued support and reinforcing the importance of early literacy across Mansfield ISD."