Erik Jones holds off Denny Hamlin while piloting Richard Petty GMS Motorsports’ No. 43 to Victory Lane at Darlington Raceway.
Darlington, S.C. – September 4, 2022 – Anthony Holbrook
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs open Sunday, Sept. 4 2022 for the hosted by Darlington Raceway.
Cook Out Southern 500
Recap:
(Richard) Petty GMS Motorsport’s driver Erik Jones receives a jewel for his crown winning the first NASCAR Cup Series playoff race of 2022 in the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in Darlington.
Erik found himself as one of the 17th different winner of the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season as well as the first “non-playoff” driver to ever win the first playoff race of a NASCAR Cup series postseason.
Cook Out Southern 500
Skinny:
William Byron led the charge in Stage 1 and claims the victory under caution marking his first stage victory since April.
Regular Season Point’s leader Chase Elliott beaks a “toe end” off the front suspension sending the Cup champ spinning out of control on lap 113 of the 367-lap race. Elliott additionally collected Chase Briscoe in the melee to bring out the caution. Elliott was ruled out for the remainder of the race as his team was unable to repair his No. 9 Chevrolet under the pit row 10 minute window.
Darlington Results (Stage 1) : 1. William Byron; 2. Denny Hamlin; 3. Kyle Busch; 4. Christopher Bell; 5. Martin Truex Jr; 6. Ross Chastain; 7. Tyler Reddick; 8. Erik Jones; 9. Ryan Blaney; 10. Bubba Wallace
Stage 1 victor William Byron finishes Stage 2 a respectful fifth place as Kyle Busch collects Stage 2 Championship points over “non-playoff “ teammate Martin Truex Jr. for his third Stage checkers of the year. As of stated time Kyle Bush has not released/signed contract to an affiliated race team for 2023.
Darlington Results (Stage 2) : 1. Kyle Busch; 2. Martin Truex Jr; 3. Ryan Blaney; 4. Joey Logano; 5. William Byron; 6. Christopher Bell; 7. Alex Bowman; 8. Daniel Suarez; 9. Erik Jones; 10. Michael McDowell.
Martin Truex Jr. took control of the final segment setting sights to rain on the Playoff’ parade. However, JGR No. 19 Toyota began experiencing mechanical issues, and he was forced to pit erasing any anticipated positive finish.
Feast or famine Kyle Busch resumed the lead after Truex Jr.’s misfortune. To Bush’s dismay, the Event was placed under caution with less than 22 laps remaining, as Busch’s No. 18 Toyota also began displaying engine issues.
Counting 20 laps to go, Erik Jones ceased the lead while guarding his post from an advancing Denny Hamlin clearing a path to his 2nd victory at the Lady in Black.
Darlington Raceway Results
September 4, 2022
NASCAR Cup Series
(Cook Out Southern 500)
Pos | Driver
1. Erik Jones
2. Denny Hamlin
3. Tyler Reddick
4. Joey Logano
5. Christopher Bell
6. Michael McDowell
7. Brad Keselowski
8. William Byron
9. Bubba Wallace
10. Alex Bowman
11. Aric Almirola
12. Kyle Larson
13. Ryan Blaney
14. Cole Custer
15. Ty Gibbs
16. Austin Cindric
17. Austin Dillon
18. Daniel Suarez
19. Justin Haley
20. Ross Chastain
21. Harrison Burton
22. Ty Dillon
23. Daniel Suarez
24. Corey LaJoie
25. Landon Cassill
26. Chris Buescher
27. Chase Briscoe
28. Todd Gilliland
29. BJ McLeod
30. Kyle Busch
31. Martin Truex Jr
32. Cody Ware
33. Kevin Harvick
34. JJ Yeley
35. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
36. Chase Elliott
NASCAR Cup Series
Point Standings
After Darlington Race
Pos | Driver | Points
1. Joey Logano
+38
2. William Byron
+32
3. Denny Hamlin
+30
4. Christopher Bell
+28
5. Tyler Reddick
+23
6. Ryan Blaney
+20
7. Kyle Larson
+17
8. Ross Chastain
+15
9. Chase Elliott
+14
10. Alex Bowman
+10
11. Kyle Busch
+8
12. Daniel Suarez
+2
— Round of 12 Cutline —
13. Austin Cindric
-2
14. Austin Dillon
-4
15. Chase Briscoe
-10
16. Kevin Harvick
-13
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs of Elimination will continue on Sept. 11 for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.
3:00 p.m. ET
USA
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