Matt Kenseth came on late to win the 2013 Bojangles Southern 500. He overcame teammate Kyle Busch with just 12 laps to go to grab the win.
The race was clean up until the 300th lap, but anyone who made comments about the lack of caution flags likely jinxed the race.
Kyle seemingly had this one wrapped up until his handling seemed to fail him late. Kenseth was there to pounce, and he gutted out a tough win.
Kurt Busch got off to a great start. He was on a blistering place at Lap 50. He led the pack for the entire race up to this point with a slight edge over his brother Kyle.
Kurt continued to control the pace early on. Kyle stayed in striking distance, but he couldn't overtake his older brother through the first 73 laps.
On Lap 74, Kyle passed Kurt to move into the top spot. Perhaps he was just biding his time, but he overcame a good gap after the first pit stop to take the lead.
Kenseth was one of the drivers I expected to be a major factor here. He took the No. 20 car into second place, but Kyle maintained his lead after the second set of pit stops through 100 laps.
After an immaculately run race, the first caution flag appeared on the 125th lap due to debris on the track. It didn't disturb Kyle at all; he continued to lead the pack.
Kurt had fallen back significantly after firing away at the start from the pole position. But it appeared a Busch would still take home the win in Darlington.
Jeff Gordon, the man on his 700th NASCAR run, briefly took the lead at the 200th lap. He pitted a few laps earlier than most of the drivers, but by the 202nd lap, Kyle had regained the lead.
As the race approached the 300-lap mark, the Sprint Cup standings leader Jimmie Johnson had moved into second place. The defending champion was sure to be heard from before this race was done, and though Kyle maintained his lead, Johnson was trying to apply some pressure.
Challengers continued to take their shot at wresting the lead from Kyle, but couldn't get it done through 400 laps. He turned back Kasey Kahne, Johnson and Kenseth—for the moment.
It seemed fuel conservation would become a major concern, but handling is what cost Kyle this race. In the final 50 laps, the No. 18 car just couldn't perform.
Kenseth ultimately passed Kyle with just 12 laps to go. It was all downhill for the latter at that point. Kenseth deserves credit for his perseverance, but owes some love to Kyle's car.
Kyle is going to lose some sleep over this sixth-place finish. It seemed he would coast to a win, and it has to be frustrating when the car simply won't allow you to win.
Kenseth's second win of the season is a huge step toward making him a major player in the Sprint Cup standings for the rest of the season. We may look back at this race later in the year as the turning point for Kenseth.
More Info: - Dutch Eredivisie
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