The race returned to green flag running on lap 234 with Bowyer leading Scott Riggs and so began the only really decent green flag run of the entire night. Bowyer initially pulled away as polesitter Ryan Newman moved into second spot but by lap 270 Gordon was firmly rooted to Bowyer's rear bumper and two laps later the #24 Chevrolet led the field once more.
The yellow flags were out again on lap 280 when Juan Montoya lost a tyre and collected the unlucky Riggs allowing the leaders to make their final stops under caution.
Fastest off pit road in the most important round of stops of the night was the #5 Hendrick Chevrolet of Kyle Busch with Gordon, Newman, Bobby Labonte and Bowyer rounding out the top five. However when the green flag waved on lap 284 Gordon was soon past his teammate and away into the lead. By lap 310 Gordon's lead stood at five seconds and it seemed as if nothing could stop him but then Jeff Green had an engine failure and coated the track with oil leading to his Haas CNC Racing teammate Johnny Sauter spinning and bringing out the 14th caution period.
The red flag was thrown while NASCAR cleaned the track and racing resumed with five laps remaining. On the restart Gordon's car suddenly stuttered, causing the closely following Busch and Bowyer to slow and allowing Newman to pull off a stunning three wide move and take the lead but just as it looked as though Gordon would have victory grabbed from him Newman sensationally spun and smacked the turn two wall with three to go, handing the lead back to Gordon and setting up an overtime finish.
Now fuel mileage began to come into the equation with all the leaders, Gordon included, saying that they were low on fuel. Johnson, who had recovered to sixth, actually ran out of fuel and had to pit for a top up while Gordon, third placed Busch and fifth placed Carl Edwards took to running on the apron behind the safety car.
