Erik Jones holds off Hamlin for victory at Darlington

Erik Jones won the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, narrowly holding off a late surge from Denny Hamlin in the Cup Series playoff opener.

It's Jones' third career Cup Series win and second at the Southern 500.

Hamlin is still considered a favorite to win his first Cup Series championship.

Tyler Reddick rounded out the podium in third. Joey Logano started the race in pole position but slipped to fourth.

The No. 18 of Kyle Busch suffered a surprise engine failure with 24 laps remaining, having led 155 laps.

Busch wasn't the only contender forced to retire, as Chase Elliott also crashed out early in Stage 1. Kevin Harvick's No. 4 also caught fire late resulting in a DNF for the Closer.

William Byron won the first stage, while Busch claimed Stage 2.

The round of 16 resumes Sept. 11 with the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.