For the first time since April, 2009, Jeff Gordon wheeled into Victory Lane at Phoenix International Raceway after outdueling Kyle Busch in the Subway Fresh Fit 500. The span between victories for Gordon had reached 66 races, the longest winless stretch of his career. Phoenix continues to be “the place” to end long losing streaks in the NASCAR Sprint Series: Ryan Newman ended a 77-race winless streak last spring while Carl Edwards put an end to his 70-race shutout last fall at the one mile tri-oval. Gordon’s victory was the 83rd of his career, tying him with the legendary Cale Yarborough for fifth-place all-time.

Gordon’s victory was unexpected since he was less than impressive at the season-opening Daytona 500, where he finished a disappointing 28th after starting second. It appeared early on that his fortunes at Phoenix wouldn’t be much better after being slammed into the wall by Edwards during a massive wreck.