ERIK JONES BRINGS #READWITHERIK TO BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER KANSAS CITY PRIOR TO RACE WEEKEND

-       Driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE ignites the passion of reading with the help of AdventHealth and the Boys & Girls Clubs ClubLit Program

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (Sept. 26, 2025) – Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE, brought his passion for reading to the greater Kansas City area as he stopped by a local Boys & Girls Club prior to this Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway.

The Byron, Michigan native not only brought his No. 43 AdventHealth show car for the kids, but he also did a special #READwithErik session in support of the organization’s ClubLit program, which supports literacy. He brought along “Goodnight Racetrack” by Andy Amendola and Ashley Newgarden to read to a group of kids ranging from kindergarten to third-grade.

“It means a lot to be able to bring #READwithErik to go many communities throughout the United States,” said Jones, driver of the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “We started this as a small online program before we even started the Erik Jones Foundation. To have partners like AdventHealth buy into it and bring it to elementary schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and more just means that much more.”

Jones started #READwithErik during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic as a way to promote literacy and give kids who were stuck at home something to tune into before bed. He read over 20 books the first year alone. In 2021, he founded the Erik Jones Foundation which showcased literacy as one of its three pillars of giving – with the other two being animal welfare and early cancer prevention. Since then, the #READwithErik program has grown both online and in person. With the help of AdventHealth and NASCAR, Jones has been able to take the #READwithErik program on the road during the race season.

“At AdventHealth, we’re proud to stand alongside community champions like Erik Jones who share our passion for uplifting and inspiring young minds,” said Sam Huenergardt, CEO for AdventHealth’s Mid-America Region. “Supporting local events like Erik’s visit to the Boys & Girls Club is part of our commitment to whole-person care—because nurturing a child’s potential is just as vital as healing the body. We’re incredibly grateful to Erik for taking the time to connect with these kids and spark their imaginations through the power of reading.”

AdventHealth connected with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to bring Jones into market early to have him interact with kids of all ages and bring the #READwithErik program to the Kansas area. Boys & Girls Clubs is one of AdventHealth’s community partners in helping make an impact on the lives of families every single day. Driven by their shared passion, the two organizations are driving to build a healthier, safer, and more connected community.

“At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, we believe reading is one of the most powerful tools we can give young people,” said Jason Roth, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. “Through our ClubLit program, we strive to ensure every child has the opportunity to build their literacy skills and reading confidence. With the support of partners like AdventHealth, we’re able to create unforgettable moments that connect literacy to real-life role models and inspire children to imagine new possibilities for their future. Having Erik Jones share his #READwithErik program and passion for books shows our kids that reading is not only important, it can also be exciting and fun.”

Also supporting the event is Molle Automotive Group, a local dealership in Kansas City that is celebrating its 37^th anniversary. Jones visited one of the group’s dealerships back in May prior to the Kansas race and now, they’re supporting Boys & Girls Clubs through this event.

AdventHealth, in partnership with Molle Automotive Group, coordinated Jones’s visit to engage with youth and bring the #READwithErik program to life locally. Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, a key Molle Automotive Group community partner, welcomed the opportunity to inspire young readers through this collaborative effort at the Breidenthal Unit in Kansas City, Ks.

“Molle Auto Group is excited to continue our partnership with both Advent Health and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, as both of these wonderful organizations offer crucial support to residents of Kansas City,” said Karl Kramer, Marketing Director at Molle Automotive Group.

Fans can watch Jones in this Sunday’s Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway starting at 3 p.m. ET on USA, PRN, HBO Max, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, visit HelpKCKids.org.

For more information, please email asiske@legacymotorclub.com.

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ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, "The King", serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

About AdventHealth:

AdventHealth is a connected network of care that helps people feel whole – body, mind and spirit. More than 100,000 team members across a national footprint provide whole-person care for millions of people annually through more than 2,000 care sites that include hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, hospice centers, the AdventHealth app and more. Our wholistic approach to improving the health and prosperity of our communities is inspired by our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City

For more than 115 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City has been dedicated to transforming the lives of children and teens in the Greater Kansas City area. Our goal is clear: to inspire and enable all youth, particularly those who need us most, to achieve their full potential as responsible, productive, and caring citizens. Through impactful programs in education, character development, leadership, and healthy lifestyles, we provide a safe and positive environment where young people can thrive and put their dreams of a Great Future within reach. Learn more at HelpKCKids.org.

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