Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon took his maiden NASCAR Cup victory in the delayed race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday evening.
The circuit hosted the first four-part event in the Cup series, with Dillon emerging victorious after a late pass on Jimmie Johnson – who ran out of fuel.
Dillon was one of several to try an alternative strategy, staying out at the last round of green-flag pitstops to try and make the end of the race.
Johnson, Joey Logano and Ryan Newman were among the front-runners to try the same strategy and while they faded, Dillon was able to stay ahead to take his first Cup win.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s Kyle Busch charged to second place late on, with Martin Truex Jr – who led 233 of the 400 laps – fighting to third, unable to get close enough to challenge for the lead.
Truex Jr and Johnson came close to exiting the race in the first stage while trying to avoid a clash between Brad Keselowski and Chase Elliott, one of nine cautions and the only major incident.
Matt Kenseth and Denny Hamlin completed the top five, with Kurt Busch and rookie Erik Jones next up.
Kevin Harvick started on pole but failed to capitalise in NASCAR’s longest race of the season, claiming eighth.
Ryan Newman and Dale Earnhardt Jr completed the top 10. Dillon’s win marked the first time the No.3 has won a Cup race since Dale Earnhardt Sr’s last victory in 2000.
Alongside the nine cautions, the race was also disrupted by a long red flag period after 143 laps due to a heavy rain shower. It resumed after around 90 minutes, following track drying.
