Wallace breaks losing streak

Wallace, a three-time winner at the old oval, worked past leader Jimmie Johnson on Lap 456, then held off a late charge from Bobby Labonte to the finish to gain his first trophy since April 2001 at California.

The race was delayed more than an hour by an unusual occurrence. A chunk of the corner concrete broke out of the track and hit the right-front of Jeff Gordon's car, and NASCAR threw caution. The race was red-flagged following, with NASCAR and track officials repairing the pothole with a fast-curing cement/epoxy compound.

Dale Earnhardt Jr passed Jimmie Johnson late in the race to take third place, although both drivers reckoned that had they been more fortunate with track position they may have won the race themselves.

Ryan Newman was fifth having held off a charging Gordon for more than 30 laps. Gordon had truly believed that this was his day, indeed the former champion, still searching for his first win of the season, was an early race leader and was stalking Earnhardt Jr comfortably when his Chevrolet struck the loose piece of track.

NASCAR regulations state that teams are not allowed to work on cars during a red flag period. In this case it was a little harsh on Gordon, who was forced to pit for repairs when the race was restarted under caution and fell back into the pack. He then spent the last 200 laps of the race fighting his way back into the leading group.

Jamie McMurray took seventh place ahead of reigning champion Matt Kenseth, Sterling Marlin and Dale Jarrett rounded out the top ten.