By Jim Hart/Contributing Writer
jimhartrealestate@gmail.com

DOVER, DEL.
Jeff Gordon was all smiles as he climbed from the 24 car in Victory Lane claiming his fourth win of the season and 5th career win here. He is hoping that this will continue to lead him into his 5th NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. Gordon started the race in the 6th position and ended up leading a total of 94 laps including the most important one — the last one. But it did not start out that way at all. Kevin Harvick led from the pole until he relinquished the lead for the first time on lap 147 and led for a total of 223 laps before trouble began. He experienced mechanical failures, and then was also assessed two penalties for entering pit row before it was open and also speeding coming onto pit row. Harvick was credited with a 13th place finish. Following Gordon at the checkered flag was Brad Keselowski, Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth rounding out the top five.

There were a total of 10 lead changes with 7 different leaders and 5 cautions for a total of 23 caution laps. Three cautions were for debris on the track and two for accidents.

Tony Stewart was finally able to have a strong run following the Aug. 9 incident in which a young sprint car driver was killed on a New York dirt track.

Tony came away with a 14-place finish; not his best finish, but one at least in the top 20. He was much more visible this weekend and is engaging with fans more, as he has been hardly seen except strictly in going back and forth to his car for practice, qualifying and racing.