Denny Hamlin dominated the early stages of Sunday’s 5-Hour Energy 500 at Pocono Raceway, but it was Jeff Gordon that was able to capitalize late and find victory lane. Scoring the win, Gordon now has 84 career victories, tying Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip on the NASCAR all-time win list.
NASCAR Pocono Results: Jeff Gordon Scores Second Win Of 2011
The win was also Gordon’s second of the season, giving him a strong chance of making the 2011 Chase. Saying he feels much more comfortable about his chances at making the Chase, Gordon was not willing to say Sunday’s win was a guarantee for a Chase spot.
“There’s too much racing left to go,” Gordon said. “There’s guys that can win multiple races. I feel better about it for darn sure.”
Pole sitter Kurt Busch led a total of 37 laps, but came up short to Gordon finishing second. Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick rounded out the top five.
A flat tire under a late caution ruined a dominant run for Hamlin, who led a race-high 76 laps. Hamlin ended the day 19th when the checkered flag fell.
Here is how they finished:
- Jeff Gordon
- Kurt Busch
- Kyle Busch
- Jimmie Johnson
- Kevin Harvick
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Juan Pablo Montoya
- Matt Kenseth
- Ryan Newman
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Joey Logano
- Kasey Kahne
- David Reutimann
- Paul Menard
- Regan Smith
- Clint Bowyer
- David Ragan
- Mark Martin
- Denny Hamlin
- Jeff Burton
- Tony Stewart
- Brian Vickers
- Brad Keselowski
- Landon Cassill
- A J Allmendinger
- Dave Blaney
- Greg Biffle
- Bobby Labonte
- David Gilliland
- Casey Mears
- Mike Bliss
- Andy Lally
- Jamie McMurray
- Marcos Ambrose
- Sam Hornish Jr.
- Tony Raines
- Carl Edwards
- Scott Wimmer
- TJ Bell
- Joe Nemechek
- Michael McDowell
- J.J. Yeley
- Scott Riggs
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