Kevin Harvick Wins Auto Club 400 With Last Lap Pass

Credit: Todd Warshaw/Getty Images for NASCAR

Kevin Harvick won the Auto Club 400 with amazing flare and style, a last lap pass on the 5 time Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson who was battling with Kyle Busch for the lead in the last 3 laps.

Harvick, who grew up in nearby Bakersfield, California, finally got a victory on his home track. He has had success on the track, including eight top-10 finishes.

After Juan Pablo Montoya started on the pole, Denny Hamlin took the lead on lap 8. Hamlin led for 15 laps before being passed by Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch. Busch did not look back, after taking control he led 5 times for a total of 151 laps.

The race was problem free for most, Andy Lally (#71) spun at lap 172 and Bobby Labonte also had an accident at lap 187, resulting in a caution and cleanup due to a fire under the hood.

Denny Hamlin, who was last years' runner up in the Chase, had an early end to his day. His issue is unclear at the moment, although it is being attributed to engine or electrical issues. This was not the only engine issue for JGR this weekend, Joey Logano had to start from the rear of the field due to an engine change prior to today's race.

Team celebration Credit: Jared C. Tilton/gGetty Images for NASCAR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today's complete results:

1. Kevin Harvick
2. Jimmie Johnson
3. Kyle Busch
4. Matt Kenseth
5. Ryan Newman
6. Carl Edwards
7. Clint Bowyer
8. Brian Vickers
9. Kasey Kahne
10. Juan Pablo Montoya
11. Greg Biffle
12. Dale Earnhardt  Jr.
13. Tony Stewart
14. AJ Allmendinger
15. Jeff Burton
16. Paul Menard
17. Kurt Busch
18. Jeff Gordon
19. David Reuitmann
20. Mark Martin
21. Martin Truex Jr.
22. David Ragan
23. Jamie McMurray
24. Landon Cassill
25. Joey Logano
26. Brad Keselowski
27. Regan Smith
28. Marcos Ambrose
29. Casey Mears
30. Trevor Bayne
31. David Gilliland
32. Andy Lally
33. Ken Schrader
34. Robby Gordon
35. Travis Kvapil
36. Tony Raines
37. Dave Blaney
38. Bobby Labonte
39. Denny Hamlin
40. Todd Bodine
41. JJ Yeley
42. Joe Nemechek
43. Michael McDowell

Stay tuned to the points update tomorrow, we have a  new leader and as of next week's race in Martinsville the top 35 begin using 2011 points so all top 35 will be recapped.