Jones earned the nickname "Buckshot" from his grandfather after he ran into a table and showed no signs of pain or agony. His racing career began as a hobby during his studies at the University of Georgia. Jones originally wanted to race motocross, but his dad suggested stock cars since they were safer. After his sixth race Jones went out to dinner with his father, where he told him that he wanted to be a NASCAR champion. He and his father then developed a five-year plan that would allow Jones to move up the ladder and begin to fulfill his dream.