Record Number of Lead Changes at 'Dega

Sunday's Sprint race at the Talladega Superspeedway proved to be a great treat for those attending, as it set the record for the number of leaders and lead changes: 29 and 88, respectively. Coincidentally or not, it was also the first race with cars wearing the restrictor-plate, which allowed for better bump-drafting and closing rates. And the drivers are thrilled...

"It was the biggest yo-yo effect that I've ever seen as far as the front to the back to the middle," commented Denny Hamlin. "You just couldn't keep your track position. As hard as you tried to stay up front, there's nothing you could do to stay up there."

None of the drivers who were at one point in front didn't manage to hold their ground for more than 3 laps, except Brian Vickers, which was first for seven and Jamie McMurray, who led for 22 laps just to see the Harvick stealing the win by a tiny 0.011 seconds.

"From the competitive standpoint, I don't know what else you can ask for. Anybody can win this race. There's no doubt about it. Any car can win this race and it's just who's going to put themselves in the position with 10 to go."

"I thought it was a lot of fun," David Ragan told NASCAR. "Certainly, the cars drive really well. I think NASCAR made the right decision on allowing guys to push a little bit more and be a little more aggressive."

The race was finally won by Kevin Harvick, a few days after sponsor Shell/Pennzoil announced it would leave Richard Childress Racing and Harvick's No. 29 to sponsor Penske. This is the first time the driver takes home the first points since his debut in Shell's colors in 2007.