Erik Jones Upsets in Second Southern 500 Triumph

Photo by Peter Stratta/TSJSports

NASCAR

Erik Jones Holds Off Playoff-Contender Hamlin to Tame Darlington Again

DARLINGTON, S.C. – A chaotic and attrition-filled Playoff opener from Darlington ended with a non-championship combatant taking the victory. After both Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch had late issues, Erik Jones inherited the lead and never looked back. Far from just a gifted win though, Jones earned this victory in the No. 43, holding off Denny Hamlin for the last 20 laps.

The first win for the newly-formed Petty GMS Racing has a bit of history behind it as well. This marks checkered flag number 200 for the 43 car, as well as its first Darlington win in exactly 55 years.

The opening Stage saw a spirited battle between the two who decided May’s Darlington race. Joey Logano led early from the pole, only to lose the top spot to William Byron. The Hendrick 24 would take its first Stage win since Talladega in April.

While one Hendrick team won the opening Stage, another didn’t last until the green-and-white checkers. Chase Elliott wrecked by himself in turn one, collecting Chase Briscoe in the aftermath. Due to a bent toe link, Elliott could not get back on track and finished last. The 9 team relinquishes the points lead for the first time since March.

Kyle Busch would inherit the lead to start Stage 2, and hardly looked back himself. The 18 would take Stage 2, going for a first Darlington win in 14 years. Busch was one of many Toyota drivers who looked very stout all night long, as the 18 led a race-high 155 laps.

Stage 2 would also see another Playoff driver, Kyle Larson, spin out by himself. The Hendrick duo had a night to forget in the Southern 500.

Not long into Stage 3, another Playoff favorite ran into major issues. While running inside the top 10, Kevin Harvick’s car burst into flames. The massive fire sent the 4 to a dismal 33rd-place result. The veteran was none too pleased with how his car went from contending to done in a matter of moments.

Once racing resumed, non-Playoff driver Martin Truex Jr. took the top spot away from Kyle Busch. Over the closing laps, MTJ and the 19 appeared on their way to a dominant late win, having a huge lead over the field. However, the wheels fell off their upset effort, as a belt issue took the 19 behind the wall inside of the final 35 laps.

Under caution not long after, Kyle Busch ran into issues himself. While pacing, the 18 began to billow smoke, indicating a terminal engine issue on this Toyota. This gave the lead with 20 to go to non-contender Erik Jones in the 43.

Over the final run to the checkers, Jones had to hold off a hungry Denny Hamlin on fresher tires. Despite the 11 being a four-time Darlington winner, he could never close in enough on the 43’s bumper. The 2019 Southern 500 winner, Jones made it two Darlington triumphs in four years.

“Richard (Petty) hasn’t been to Victory Lane at Darlington probably since he last won here,” Jones said. “It’s just awesome. Just so proud of these guys, Petty GMS and FOCUSfactor Crew. We’ve been so close all year, and I didn’t think today was going to be the day. It was going to be a tough one to win, but no better fitting place. I love this track; I love this race. On that trophy twice, man. I was pumped to be on it once, but to have it on there twice, pretty cool.”

“Man, I was focused forward. Honestly that’s the calmest I’ve been in the race car going for a win ever, really. I think back to the last time winning here and I was driving my guts out; my nerves were pounding, my stomach was hurting, and today it was just business as usual.

“Just feel good about this track and knew Denny would run me clean. I knew it was going to be tough for him to pass. It was tough to pass all day, and we got a good restart there. But man, so proud of everybody. Just what a dream come true. That’s all you can say.”

This victory also comes 55 years to the day after ‘The King’ Richard Petty’s lone Southern 500 win. It also marks Cup Series win number 200 for the 43, second-most for a single car number. This is also the maiden victory for Petty GMS Racing.

Behind Jones and Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Joey Logano, and Christopher Bell were the top five. Michael McDowell, Brad Keselowski, William Byron, Bubba Wallace, and Alex Bowman were the top 10. Hear from some of these drivers and other Playoff contenders below.

Erik Jones marks the astounding 17th different race winner through 27 races of 2022. Not being in the Playoffs, the standings are tight entering week two of the 10-week marathon. Logano is now the points leader, but no cushion is safe with two races left in the Round of 16.

Race two of the Round of 16 will be Sunday from Kansas Speedway. The Hollywood Casino 400 offers all 16 drivers another ticket onward to the Round of 12, as each berth just got more valuable with the 43’s win. Coverage of Playoff race two begins at 3:00 p.m. ET on USA Network, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Written by Peter Stratta

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Photo Credit to Peter Stratta/TSJSports