INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Kevin Harvick, who replaced the late Dale Earnhardt two years ago, joined the NASCAR racing legend Sunday as a Brickyard 400 winner.
Harvick became the first pole-winner to capture the Brickyard 400, giving team owner Richard Childress his second victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and first since Earnhardt won this race in 1995.
Harvick led the first 17 laps and hung around the front of field until making his winning move, passing Jamie McMurray on lap 146. He defeated Winston Cup points leader Matt Kenseth by 2.758 seconds.
McMurray was third, followed by three-time Brickyard 400 winner Jeff Gordon and defending champion Bill Elliott.
It was Harvick's first win of the season and fourth of his NASCAR career.
Reigning Winston Cup champion Tony Stewart was in 10th place and could not get through traffic to race with the leaders.
