The #2 and the #17 teams made key decisions when they chose not to pit for tires with less than 20 laps to go. Keeping the old tires allowed them to keep the track position both cars had fought hard to maintain – and ultimately allowed the Blue Deuce to ride into Victory Lane.

It was Brad Keselowski’s second Bristol win in the past two Sprint Cup races at the famous short track after winning the August race in the 2011 season. He led a race-high 231 laps after starting in the 5th position. Claiming his first victory for this season, Keselowski powered to the checkered flag after a long battle for the top spot with Daytona 500 winner Matt Kenseth.

Coming in 3rd, 4th, and 5th were the three Michael Waltrip Racing Toyotas driven by Martin Truex Jr., Clint Bowyer, and Brian Vickers respectively. The top 5 finish was especially remarkable for Vickers, who was racing in the first of only 6 races he has secured for this season in the MWR #55. Vickers was unable to find a full time ride after his former team Red Bull Racing disbanded last year, and he took the opportunity to prove himself with the finish, even leading a career-high 125 laps.