REPORT - It was a shock victory for Erik_Jones and the No. 43 PettyGMS team in a dramatic playoff-opener at Darlington: NASCARPlayoffs Southern500
Jones, who had run in in the top-10 most of the race, inherited the lead on Lap 345 of 367 when Kyle Busch – who exited pit road with the lead – suddenly saw the engine blow in his No. 18 Toyota while the race was still under caution.
“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, I knew, but no better fitting place. I love this track. I love this race. With his win, Jones prevented one of the 16 playoff drivers from claiming an automatic lock into the second round, which would have come with a victory.
When the race resumed on Lap 237, Busch was followed by Martin Truex Jr., Ryan Blaney and Daniel Suarez. On Lap 336, Truex suddenly fell off the pace and reported he had lost power steering and his engine was overheating. Busch quickly pounced and moved back into the lead. Suarez was among the first drivers to hit pit road on Lap 151 to kick off a round of green-flag pit stops. Busch and Logano followed on Lap 152. Chastain was forced to pit a second time on Lap 162 for what he thought was a loose wheel.
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