DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09:  Erik Jones, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 09, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09: Erik Jones, driver of the #20 DEWALT Toyota, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 09, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Erik Jones to Richard Petty Motorsports? Announcement this week?

UPDATE: Erik Jones will replace Bubba Wallace in the No. 43 at Richard Petty Motorsports next season, CBS Sports has learned from a source with direct knowledge of the situation, with an official announcement expected this week. Jones currently drives the No. 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing and had been seeking a new ride after the team informed him he’d be replaced by Christopher Bell in 2021.

Jones was considered one of the top remaining free agents in this year’s class alongside Kyle Larson. Industry chatter suggests Larson could be headed to the top available ride at Hendrick Motorsports with Jimmie Johnson retiring. Jones electing to race for RPM only adds fuel to the fire of Larson’s HMS prospects.

CBS Sports

ORIGINAL CONTENT 10-15-2020: Erik Jones, who will depart the #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at season’s end, is in talks with Richard Petty Motorsports to drive the #43 Chevrolet in 2021, Adam Stern reports.