Busch, who had a poor qualifying run and started 30th, steadily moved through the field and grabbed the lead away from defending race winner Juan Pablo Montoya on an early restart. Nobody came close to taking the lead from Busch the rest of the way, but he did have to hold off a pair of challenges on two late restarts.
It was Busch's series-best fifth win of the season, and 11th overall spanning all three of NASCAR's top series. It also was his second road course victory of the season, following a Nationwide Series win in Mexico City in April.
It was Busch's series-best fifth win of the season, and 11th overall spanning all three of NASCAR's top series. It also was his second road course victory of the season, following a Nationwide Series win in Mexico City in April.
Busch celebrated with his traditional smoky burnout, then climbed from his car for his customary bow to the crowd. For once, the fans were cheering the driver they so famously love to hate.
"I am really impressed with Kyle," said third-place finisher Jeff Gordon, his former teammate. "I've been around him, and I didn't think he's a really good road racer. So I think you've got to give that guy a lot of credit for his talent. To be able to get their car up front and maintain the position ... I would not have bet on that.
"Obviously, he's maturing and learning and that's what it's going to take for him to maintain that points lead."
David Gilliland finished a career-best second and was followed by Jeff Gordon, Clint Bowyer and Casey Mears. Montoya was sixth and followed by Ryan Newman, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart.
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