Stenhouse Wins At Talladega For His Career Cup Win

Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. finally won his first Monster Energy Cup race after 158 tries.  Stenhouse started on the pole, led 14 laps including the most important last lap when he passed Kyle Busch during an overtime restart and held off the rest of the field.  He becomes the 11th driver to win their first career race at Talladega Speedway.  It also ended a 101-race winless streak for owner Jack Roush. 

Jamie McMurray finished second and Kyle Busch settled for third place despite leading a race-high 48 laps.  Aric Almirola and Kasey Kahne completed the Top 5.

Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin were the Stage winners, but Keselowski was one of 18 drivers involved in a big wreck that red-flagged the race for nearly a half hour.  A.J. Almendinger and Chase Elliott were racing for second place when Almendinger bumped Elliott from behind.  Elliott's car was turned on its side along the wall.  Almendinger ended upside down.

The crash also ended the day for Joey Logano, Martin Truex, Jr., Austin Dillon, Erik Jones, Michael McDowell, Travor Bayne and Danica Patrick.

When the race resumed with 15 laps left, only 23 cars were left on the lead lap. Keselowski was able to return and finished seventh.

Next week it's racing under the lights at Kansas Speedway, Saturday night.