With the race ending under caution, Brad Keselowski was able to steal a victory from Kurt Busch
With NASCAR going west for three straight weeks, Kevin Harvick looked like he was going to win each race. Sunday, Harvick and his teammate Kurt Busch both looked as if they were each going to have a chance to pick up the victory in Fontana.
More from NASCAR
- NASCAR rain delay today, July 2 update: Chicago Street Race
- Where is the NASCAR course in Chicago? A look at how the Grant Park 220 will work
- Grant Park 220 Ticket prices: How much does it cost to attend?
- LAST CHANCE: FanDuel’s Crazy $2,500 Bonus NASCAR Promo Expires Sunday
- Trevor, start your engine: Jaguars’ temporary stadium could be NASCAR mecca
That was until a wild ending of two attempts at a green-white-checker gave new life to everyone out on the track.
Toward the end of the race, it looked like Busch was going to pull away with his first victory of the season since being reinstated after being suspended.
Two cautions changed his fate and his first chance at a victory this season was put on hold. His teammate Kevin Harvick looked like he would have a shot at picking up his third straight victory, but it was another driver who took advantage of the two restarts who came out on top.
On the second attempt of the green-white-checker, there was a wreck on the track involving Greg Biffle that came under the white flag that gave Keselowski his first win of the season.
Busch had led the lap with Keselowski and Harvick in tow, but Keselowski was able to pass Busch before the caution came out.
At one point in the race, it looked as if the drivers were going to be low on fuel entering the final laps, but cautions allowed for everyone to get fuel and extra tires.
The pit stops however played an impact in the end of the race.
Harvick not wanting to waste any time getting back out on the track, made an audible and took two tires rather than the four called for by the crew chief.
Jimmie Johnson, who looked to be gaining speed, lost spots in the order after having to slam on the brakes to avoid getting clipped by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who was coming into pit.
It was also a day of bad luck for many other drivers on the track.
Both Denny Hamlin and Matt Kenseth looked to have a shot at winning Sunday.
Matt Kenseth led 43 laps and had the lead with 20 laps remaining until a broken axle ended his day on the track and gave way to Harvick and Busch to take over.
Hamlin led 56 laps and had one of the strongest cars on the track but a pit stop would be his final downfall as he was penalized for a loose tire on his car.
The story of Sunday was Keselowski being the ultimate opportunist as he picked his spot and was able to steal the race and pass Busch before the caution could come out.
Keselowski earned a spot in the chase and now joins Joey Logano, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick in the postseason.
After five races, four of the top drivers in NASCAR have now earned a spot in the chase and a chance at the Sprint Cup Championship.
Next week NASCAR leaves the wide open track in California, and heads for Martinsville, one of the smallest and tightest courses on the schedule.
After a big win Sunday, Keselowski has the momentum heading into next week.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle