“I thought today might be the day”

As Sunday’s race unfolded, it grew to become clear Jones’ No. 43 Petty GMS Racing Chevrolet was one of many quickest vehicles within the subject and he repeatedly put himself in place to run up entrance.

Jones led the race at the beginning of the ultimate of 188 laps however had a number of antsy contenders behind him seeking to make a late transfer on him for the win.

Heading onto the frontstrtech, Kyle Larson all of the sudden darted as much as the excessive lane in an try to go Jones and Jones made a direct transfer to go up and attempt to block him.

Whereas profitable at that, the transfer did go away Ross Chastain alone on the underside lane and he drove proper to the checkered flag for the victory.

“I imply, simply the final lap, proper? It’s typical right here. Been shut right here so many occasions, on this race and the autumn race,” Jones mentioned. “We had good velocity, felt good to be up entrance. Coming there that final lap, we have been single file.

“I felt fairly good about it. They sort of doubled up behind us. That high lane was getting some momentum. Trying again, I want I’d have stayed on the backside and let (Chastain) push me. I didn’t understand they have been coming with that a lot velocity.

“However attempt to defend on (Larson), you’re too far forward already proper there. Clearly, a protection on (Larson) sort of offers the door to (Chastain).”

And Chastain took full benefit, holding off Austin Dillon by 0.105 seconds to earn his second profession victory and second of the 2022 season.

Jones ended up with a sixth-place end, which was nonetheless a much-needed enhance after a run of three finishes of thirteenth or worse. He moved up two spots to seventeenth within the sequence standings.

“It’s what it’s. You’re making an attempt to simply win the race,” he mentioned. “You may solely see how a lot is happening from the seat. You’re making an attempt to make the very best resolution you’ll be able to the final 1500 toes.

“Comfortable to run up entrance, lead laps. Would actually like to get the No. 43 in Victory Lane. I assumed right this moment could be the day.

“All day lengthy we have been quick and had velocity. Particularly being up entrance there on the finish, the final 10, I knew we had a shot, however simply couldn’t fairly shut it out.”