Busch snaps 21-race losing streak

RICHMOND, Va. - Kyle Busch snapped a 21-race losing streak - an eternity by his standards - with a late-race pass at Richmond International Raceway that denied Jeff Gordon yet another victory.

Although Busch embarrassed the field early last night - at one point, there were only eight cars on the lead lap - the racing evened out and Busch's car faded just a bit. That put Gordon in position for the win, a spot he's been in at least three other times this season.

Once again, though, he was denied as three late cautions gave all the challengers a chance to chase Gordon down.

After just three cautions through the first 364 laps, there were three in the final 36 laps and Gordon knew he was in trouble. Sam Hornish brought out the last yellow with a spin, and Gordon had Busch on his outside on the restart with five to go.

Busch completed his pass coming out of Turn 3, then pulled away in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota as Gordon had to hold off Kevin Harvick for second. - AP