Darlington race: Burton takes second Dodge win

Series leader Jeff Gordon led much of the race but dropped to second by the flag, ahead of Bobby Labonte's Pontiac.

Burton took the lead seconds before the red flags flew late in the race after two simultaneous multi-car accidents on the exit of turn three.

He then held on after the restart despite the efforts of Labonte and Jeremy Mayfield, but his task was made significantly easier when third-placed Mayfield tagged the wall and brought out the yellows with just two laps to go. At the same time Dave Blaney triggered another pile-up lower down the top ten after shunting Dale Earnhardt Jr into the wall, ensuring that the race would finish under yellow and handing Burton his third career victory.

Afterwards Burton directed all praise towards his Bill Davis Racing crew.

"These guys never give up," he said. "I don't know if I'm the best driver but I damn sure had the best race car."

Gordon retains his championship lead by finishing second. The result puts him a commanding 342 points clear of main rival Ricky Rudd, who could only manage seventh at Darlington.


For full race results, click here.