Brad Keselowski finished second while Jimmie Johnson, Joey Logano and Matt Kenseth rounded out the top five.

The top rookies of the race were Kyle Larson (6th), Austin Dillon (24th), and Justin Allgaier (29th).

Sources within the team stated the change stemmed from unhappiness with the amount of feedback from the rookie driver.

[14] Eight days after sending the case to a grand jury, Ontario County district attorney Michael Tantillo announced on September 24 that Tony Stewart would not be charged in the death of Kevin Ward Jr.

The grand jury could not find sufficient reason to indict Stewart on any charges.

Kevin Ward Jr.’s family and friends will always be in my thoughts and prayers.”[16] NASCAR's Chief Communications Officer Brett Jewkes also released a statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Kevin Ward Jr. family and Tony Stewart as they all cope with this tragic incident.”[17] The entry list for the AAA 400 was released on Monday, September 22, 2014, at 8:48 a.m. Eastern time.

[20] Kevin Harvick was the fastest in the final practice session with a time of 22.917 and a speed of 157.089 mph (252.810 km/h).

[21] The race was scheduled to begin at 2:15 p.m. Eastern time but started at 2:19 p.m. when Kevin Harvick led the field to the green.

Caution flew for the second time on lap 75 after Ricky Stenhouse Jr. made contact with the wall in turn 2.

Kevin Harvick ducked onto pit road on lap 249 and handed the lead to Matt Kenseth.

Harvick cut his left front tire and brought out the fifth caution of the race on lap 254.

Gordon made his final pit stop on lap 328 and handed the lead to Matt Kenseth.

Kenseth made his final stop on lap 329 and handed the lead to Carl Edwards.

"[25] Kasey Kahne secured the twelfth and final spot in the points to advance to the Contender Round.

We had to fight hard, and I think we had a Top-2 or 3 car today – just didn't get to show it.” With this being the final race of the Challenger Round, A. J. Allmendinger, Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle and Aric Almirola were the bottom four drivers in points that were eliminated.