TRUEX JR. WINS CHASE OPENER TO ADVANCE TO CONTENDER ROUND

Late race restart leads Truex Jr. to victory

Martin Truex Jr

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Martin Truex Jr

Martin Truex Jr. celebrated in victory lane after a caution for Michael McDowell blowing a tire on lap 263 of the scheduled 267 laps.  Chase Elliott, who had dominated the second half of the race, was beat off of pit road by Truex Jr.  Truex Jr. restarted fourth on the overtime restart, restarting on lap 269 of the now 270 laps.  Ryan Blaney, Kasey Kahne, and Carl Edwards did not pit, so they were the leaders.  Truex Jr. made a three wide move on Kahne and Edwards heading into turn 1.  Blaney was the leader after a great restart.  Truex Jr. took the lead from Blaney going into turn 3 and never looked back.  Truex Jr. pulled away and took his sixth career win amd third of the season by .776 over second place Joey Logano.  “We have more races to win-the more we can win, the better,” Truex Jr. said.  “What can I say?  This is how we want to start off.  This feels awesome.”  Truex Jr.’s car failed inspection, along with the 48 of Jimmie Johnson, but no penalties were given out.