Casey Mears, another first time winner in 2007, claimed fourth place, surprisingly - given recent form - the best of the all-conquering Hendrick quartet as Kyle Busch finished sixth, Jeff Gordon ninth and reigning Cup champion Jimmie Johnson a lowly 19th after running out of fuel in the closing stages.
Dale Earnhardt Jr split Mears from Busch, the man he will replace at Hendrick next season, while Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray, points leader Gordon and surprise package Michael Waltrip rounded out the top ten, although the Toyota driver was the first of the lapped runners.
Making only his third appearance of a turbulent season with the new Camry, Waltrip led for a single lap while others made their pit-stops and was only dropped off the lead lap when Edwards passed him with the white flag flying.
Kenseth, the closest thing to a challenger to the Hendrick powerhouse in points, suffered a nightmare afternoon, retiring after just 78 of the 200 laps. The Ford man was joined on the sidelines by rookie Juan Montoya, but they were the only non-finishers in a race of little attrition.
Denny Hamlin kept up his pursuit of the standings leaders with 14th place, behind Bill Elliott, leading rookie finisher Paul Menard and Robby Gordon on an unlikely looking result sheet. Gilliland, who incurred Stewart's wrath after practice, brought the M&Ms Ford home in 17th, while polewinner JJ Yeley was unable to maintain his position and dropped to 28th at the flag.
![Carl Edwards - Office Depot Ford [pic credit: Ford media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/284637.jpg)
