DARLINGTON, S.C. – The first 100 laps of Sunday night's race at Darlington Raceway are complete, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. led his teammates to the green-checkered flag in 13th at the end of Stage 1.
Earnhardt jumped from 22nd to 13th in just the first 50 laps of the stage and was able to maintain that position through the finish line.
After starting the race in 18th, it didn't take long for Jimmie Johnson to break into the top 10. When the green-checkered flag waved at the end of Stage 1, however, Johnson and the No. 48 Lowe's Throwback Chevrolet SS team were running 15th.
Chase Elliott took the green-checkered flag in 19th.
Teammate Kasey Kahne finished the stage in 20th after reporting that he was battling his car's grip in the turns.
Martin Truex Jr. won the stage.
Stage 2 will consist of another 100 laps before a final 167-lap segment.