Toyota/Save Mart 350
How the race was won
Busch
Having qualified 30th, Busch had to drive his way to the front. By Lap 25, he was up to 13th. Luck was on his side when a caution flew on Lap 29. Busch had just pitted, the leaders hadn't, and when the race restared Busch sat third, having regained all the track position he gave up in qualifying. Once up front, Busch's talent took over and he dominated the remainder of the race.
Stories of the race
Busch winning on a road course, making it the fifth different style of track he's won at this season.
David Gilliland finishing in the top 10 is a story. Finishing second is an even bigger deal.
Kevin Harvick spun Tony Stewart for a second time this season when Stewart was challenging for the lead.
Give 'em credit
Jeff Gordon once again drove a mediocre car into the top 10. This time, Gordon wheeled what he described as the worst car on the track to a third-place finish.
Jamie McMurray has turned around a horrible start to the season and would have had his best finish in '08 if he hadn't gotten taken out by Harvick.
What was he thinking?
Kevin Harvick: With one bout of over-aggressive driving he took out three contenders, including himself. He can apologize all he wants, but it's not going to soften the blow for Stewart, who might have had something for Busch.
Look who's back
Kenseth
Stick a fork him him? Yeah, right. Kenseth hasn't just rallied from a miserable stretch when he fell as low as 24th in the standings; he's already back in the top 12 and by next Monday could be as high as ninth.
Where did he go?
Jimmie Johnson looked awfully strong early on, giving the appearance that he might be ready to pick up his first win on a road course. But following a pit stop that put him in the middle of the pack, Johnson never challenged again.
Grading the race
Going in, this had the makings to be the best race of the season. With a host of road ringers in decent (if not good) cars and the growth of road-course ability amongst the Cup regulars, the competition has never been better. Unfortunately, the anticipated on-track battles never materialized, at least not up front. Sure, there was some decent racing behind Kyle Busch, but in all there were only two green-flag passes for the lead, and one of those came courtesy of Gregg Biffle's spin. Grade: C
From the source
Kyle Busch: "We unloaded here this weekend and we were absolutely horrible. We were so bad we didn't know what was going on. These guys worked their tails off and never gave up."
Jeff Gordon: "It is very frustrating that the cars were so good last year, and this year, you know, we're just not where we need to be. Yeah, it's frustrating. I know that Hendrick Motorsports has the resources and I still feel like I have what it takes, and I know my team does."
