Race: Wallace fends off Gordon for Fontana win
Rusty Wallace claimed his first Winston Cup victory of the season, holding of a determined Jeff Gordon to win Sunday's NAPA Auto Parts 500 at the California Speedway
Wallace, who started in 19th place, took the lead of the race for the first time with 99 of the 250 laps remaining. After oil on the track brought out the yellow flags on lap 229, Wallace, driving the Ford of Penske South Racing, kept his wits at the re-start and didn't give up his advantage until taking the chequered flag, despite the best efforts of Gordon.
"It was a real great day," said Wallace. "Whenever you have Jeff [Gordon] in your rearview mirror, you're always worried, but I thought I drove a clean, smart race and that was very special."
It was Wallace's 54th victory in his Winston Cup career, but his first ever at Fontana.
The battle for third place was also a hard fought, close contest, with Dale Earnhardt Jr just finishing ahead of Tony Stewart. Fifth was Wallace's team mate Jeremy Mayfield, with Ricky Rudd rounding out the top six.
Pole sitter and reigning Winston Cup champion Bobby Labonte could only manage 22nd place after running over the grass twice during the race, while series leader Dale Jarrett finished two places further back in 24th.
For full results click here.
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