[5] The first seven laps were run caution-free before a beach ball was found on the back straightaway.

[5] By the time the green flag was waved again on lap 21, Jeff Gordon had assumed the lead.

[5] Gordon continued to lead until lap 33, when he was passed by Stewart who led the race until the caution came back out for debris.

Most of the leaders came to pit road; however, Dale Earnhardt Jr. did not, and thus took the lead from Stewart.

With six laps remaining, Gordon was involved in a crash with Greg Biffle, J. J. Yeley, and Mark Martin, bringing out the caution for the final time.