News:
Erik Jones Finishes 21st at Homestead-Miami Speedway Following Late-Race Tire Issue

Date: June 14, 2020


Event: Dixie Vodka 400 (Round 12 of 36)


Series: NASCAR Cup Series


Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.5-mile oval)


Format: 267 laps (3 Stages: 80 laps / 80 laps / 107 laps)


Start/Finish: 15th/21st (Running, Completed 266 of 267 laps)


Point Standings: 18th (273 Points, 190 Points out of 1st)


 


Race Winner: Denny Hamlin


Stage 1 Winner: Denny Hamlin


Stage 2 Winner: Denny Hamlin


 


Stage 1 Recap (Laps 1 – 80)




  • Erik Jones and the No. 20 Toyota Camry team started the Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway from the 15th position and finished stage one in 29th place.

  • Following multiple delays for lightning, teams started the race on Sunday afternoon only to be quickly halted after three laps by more lightning in the area. The race resumed an hour later only to be stopped again on lap 31 for lightning. The race resumed roughly 40 minutes later.

  • With the race back under yellow flag conditions, the team made their second stop of the race on lap 34 for four tires, fuel and a set of adjustments to improve the tight-handling condition. The race went back to green-flag conditions on lap 36 with Jones in the 11th position.

  • Advancing to seventh following the restart, Jones reported a possible loose wheel on lap 39. Continuing to run competitive laps, Jones was able to remain on track, but as the vibration worsened, Jones was forced to pit on lap 61 for four tires, fuel and adjustments. The unscheduled stop moved the team to 35th, one lap down to the leaders.

  • Focused on getting back on the lead lap, Jones moved in to 29th and the “Lucky Dog” position as the stage ended on lap 80. The team called Jones to pit road for four tires, fuel and another set of adjustments.


Stage 2 Recap (Laps 81 – 160)




  • Jones started the second stage from the 29th position and finished the stage in 16th.

  • Getting the “Lucky Dog” at the end of stage one, Jones returned to the lead lap and restarted the race on lap 86 from the 29th position.

  • Picking off one competitor at a time, Jones moved in to the 20th position before making a green-flag pit stop on lap 120 for four tires, fuel and adjustments to help with the tight-handling condition.

  • Continuing under green-flag conditions, Jones was scored 16th when the caution waved on lap 160 to end stage two. Crew chief Chris Gayle called Jones to pit road for four tires, fuel and adjustments to continue improving the handling of the No. 20 Camry.


 


Stage 3 Recap (Laps 161 – 267)




  • Jones started the final stage from the 15th position and finished the race in 21st place.

  • The race restarted on lap 167 for the final stage of the race with the No. 20 team in 15th.

  • A quick caution on lap 170 gave the team the opportunity to again work on the No. 20 Camry. Jones pitted for four tires, fuel and another set of adjustments. The race restarted on lap 175 with Jones 12th.

  • Jones quickly moved in to the top 10 on lap 176 and was running fifth when Gayle called him to pit road on lap 216 for a scheduled green-flag stop. Jones pitted for four tires, fuel and a small adjustment.

  • As the race closed in on the final laps, Jones reported the handling had gone back to too tight. Fighting for positions late in the race, Jones made contact with the wall and the damage to the No. 20 Camry cut down the right-rear tire.

  • Forced to pit road on lap 259, the team changed right-side tires and Jones returned to the race one lap down.

  • Jones crossed the finish line in the 21st position, one lap down to the leaders.


Additional Notes:




  • Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin won the race, Kyle Busch finished sixth and Martin Truex Jr. finished 12th.


Up Next: The NASCAR Cup Series now heads to Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, June 21, 2020 for the Geico 500. The race will be broadcast live on FOX and MRN radio beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET.