Brad Keselowski Wins in Chase Opener
NASCAR visited Chicagoland Speedway on Sunday afternoon, and a familiar face found its way to Victory Lane, punching its ticket to the Contender round of the Chase. Kyle Busch held the early lead after starting on pole but was overtaken by Jeff Gordon on lap 29. Jamie McMurray took the lead and held it until a debris caution came out on lap 66. Kyle Busch took the lead on the restart but Gordon eventually took the lead again on lap 88. He was able to lead until the caution waved on lap 99, when Ryan Newman developed a flat rear tire. McMurray took the lead on the restart but Brad Keselowski passed him for the lead on lap 107. Keselowski held the lead until a pit stop cycle under green saw Kevin Harvick take the lead.
Harvick was unable to enjoy the caution for too long before another caution came on lap 181 for debris on the track. He continued leading following the restart, but soon three caution periods came in quick succession. The first of the three arrived on lap 230 when Carl Edwards developed a left rear flat tire. Then, on lap 245, the second of the three was called after Clint Bowyer hit the wall. The final caution came on lap 258, when Danica Patrick hit the wall after tangling with Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. Harvick was able to remain in the lead on the restart.
Then, with 16 laps to go, Keselowski found an opportunity to make a pass and went between Harvick and Kyle Larson to take the lead, eventually going on to win the race. Jeff Gordon, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Kevin Harvick rounded out the top five.