 The race began at 2 : 17 p.m. Jeff Gordon passed Reuitmann almost immediately by the end of the first lap . Three laps later , Kurt Busch collided with Robby Gordon , with the latter sustaining minor damage and both drivers managed to continue . On lap 8 , Reutimann took back the lead from Jeff Gordon . One lap later , Jeff Gordon dropped a further position when he was passed by Kenseth . By lap 20 , Reuitmann had a lead of about 1 @.@ 6 seconds over Kenseth . Kurt Busch , who began the race in twenty @-@ sixth , had moved up seven positions to nineteenth by lap 24 . On lap 29 , Stewart claimed fifth from Menard . 
