He’s had some health problems and had only eight Cup starts last year, and this year he’s been sharing the ride with Mark Martin. But yesterday it was Brian Vickers’ chance to shine.

He broke a 75-race winless streak by taking the lead late in the race and then holding off Kyle Busch and the rest of the field in a green, white, checkered finish to win at New Hampshire. It’s the third career Cup victory for Vickers.

Busch came in second, half a second behind with Jeff Burton, Brad Keselowski and Aric Almirola completing the Top 5.

Jimmie Johnson was forced to start at the rear of the field because of an equipment violation, but he battled his way back thru the field to finish sixth.

Tony Stewart had a good day going leading 84 laps, but fuel was an issue. He was trying to save on gas by laying back and it allowed Vickers to catch up and eventually pass. Stewart finally went dry and finished 26th.

Johnson is still the points leader, 56 up on Clint Bowyer and up 73 on Carl Edwards.

Brad Keselowskl and Casey Kahne moved into the Top 10 while Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch moved out.

Seven races left till the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Next week it’s Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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