Darlington, SC — Brandon Jones made headlines at Darlington Raceway, not just for driving into Victory Lane, but for doing so while honoring one of NASCAR’s most respected veterans — Matt Kenseth. Piloting a stunning throwback paint scheme reminiscent of Kenseth’s early 2000s DEWALT Ford, Jones brought nostalgia and performance together in perfect harmony.
But the tribute didn’t end with just the car.
Following his on-track triumph, Jones and his wife, Jeri, added a special touch of flair by recreating one of the most memorable off-track moments from Kenseth’s career — his emotional Victory Lane celebration with his wife after a big win. The couple posed in a near-exact replica of a photo from Kenseth’s early Cup Series success, capturing the passion and joy that made fans fall in love with Kenseth’s gritty racing style and humble demeanor.
“Matt was one of my heroes growing up,” Jones said post-race. “To win at Darlington — a track that means so much to the sport — in his colors, and then to celebrate in a way that honors who he was as a person and competitor, it’s just really special for both me and Jeri.”
Jones’ victory was a testament to both talent and tenacity. He ran up front for much of the day, navigating Darlington’s infamous tire wear and high line with the poise of a veteran. The No. 9 team made the right adjustments late, and Jones held off a hungry field in the closing laps to secure the win.
NASCAR fans and Kenseth supporters were quick to take notice on social media, flooding the timeline with side-by-side comparisons of the throwback moment — a true celebration of NASCAR’s past and present coming together.
In a sport built on legacy, Saturday’s race proved that the past is never too far behind — and with drivers like Brandon Jones carrying the torch, it’s in good hands.
