DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Erik Jones took the lead when Kyle Busch’s engine blew up, then pulled away from Denny Hamlin after a final restart 20 laps from the end to win the opening NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Darlington Raceway last night.
Hamlin is seeded sixth in the playoff. He closed in on Jones’ bumper but couldn’t make the winning pass.
Jones went on to his second career win at Darlington and third NASCAR victory over two of his former teammates at Joe Gibbs Racing.
It was also the 200th win by the iconic No. 43 car, made famous by Hall of Famer Richard Petty.
