Protection One 400 - Kansas Speedway

Gordon Wins Another Inaugural Race
Jeff Gordon edged ever closer to his fourth Winston Cup championship, winning the inaugural Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway. Gordon held off rookie Ryan Newman by .413 seconds to win the third inaugural event of his career. Gordon led 53 laps on the day and won for the sixth time this season, his 58th career win. Newman scored his best finish in six starts this season, coming home second. Ricky Rudd would finish the race in the third spot, losing 10 points to Gordon in the chase for the championship. Rusty Wallace, who led the most laps on the day at 118 circuits, finished fourth and Sterling Marlin brought his Dodge home fifth.

Leffler Wins First Pole at Kansas
Rookie Jason Leffler will start the inaugural Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway from the pole position. Leffler was one of four Dodges in the top five starting spots. Leffler qualified in 30.595 seconds, at an average speed of 176.499 mph, to grab his first career pole. Points leader Jeff Gordon will start from the outside pole, the lone Chevrolet in the top five. Bill Elliott will start from the third spot, while Stacy Compton and Casey Atwood round out the top five.