Reutimann wins shortened Coca-Cola 600

CONCORD, N.C., May 25 (UPI) -- David Reutimann won the rain-delayed and shortened NASCAR Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600 Monday in Concord, N.C.

Rain had postponed the scheduled 600-mile race Sunday and was a major factor again Monday, slowing the race for a third time on lap 221, Reutimann, who had never won a Sprint Cup race before, remained on the 1 1/2-mile track when the leaders took a pit stop and inherited the lead just before NASCAR suspended the race on lap 227.

"(Crew chief) Rodney Childress made the right call and told me to stay out," Reutimann said. "He told me, 'we'll just stay out here and take a gamble.'"

Track officials tried to dry the track, but persistent rain forced NASCAR to call the race two hours after the red flag was displayed. It was the shortest 600 in the event's history.

Reutimann's previous career-best finish in the series was fourth.

Ryan Newman, who started on pole, finished second. Robby Gordon finished third, Carl Edwards fourth, and Brian Vickers fifth. Kyle Busch, who led 173 laps, ended up sixth.