BUSCH: Parker calculates his way to Pikes Peak victory

Fountain, CO-- Hank Parker Jr's No. 36 GNC Dodge team won the race on the one mile track at Pikes Peak International Raceway to grab his first victory of the season, second of his career. His previous win, last year at California was also won on a fuel gamble.

Parker and his Jesel owned crew ran the final leg of the event holding their breath, hoping the fuel would last to the checkered. While the team crossed their fingers and paced the pits with hope, Parker had faith in his strong car, and his crew. "Our car started off way tight I can't thank my guys enough. This car was awesome today. This is just a group effort."

In the early half of the race, pole-sitter, ppc's Jason Keller and Carroll Racing's Ron Hornaday battled side by side for numerous laps, swapping the lead back and forth. Hornaday dropped back few spots and finished the race fourth. Keller stayed up front for a while and battled Roush Racing's Greg Biffle, not only for the lead but for the points lead as well. Biffle finished second while Keller followed him across the line in third.

With a majority of the field running on different pit stops due to an early caution, Parker and Brewco's Kevin Lepage appeared to be the two to beat since they were getting longer runs under the same tank of gas. Lepage was forced to pit while an additional three seconds worth of fuel poured in to the tank. Parker than took over the lead and held on for the remaining 17 laps.

Bill Davis' Scott Wimmer and Joe Gibbs Racing's Mike McLaughlin drove to sixth and seventh place runs. Lepage's Brewco teammate, Jamie McMurray notched up yet another strong top ten with his eighth place run. Ashton Lewis representing the Civil Air Patrol drove with pride and finished ninth. Stacy Compton, driving for ST Motorsports closed out the top-10.