Paul Menard scored his first career Sprint Cup Series win in Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Menard held off hard-charging Jeff Gordon in the final laps in becoming the fourth first-time winner of the 2011 NASCAR season.

Menard and crew chief Slugger Labbe elected to gamble on fuel mileage while Gordon, with fresher tires and enough fuel to make it to the finish, made a valiant effort that came up 0.725 seconds short at the line.

“I’ve been coming here since I was a little kid and my dad’s been trying to win this race for 35 years,” said Menard. "This is for my dad."

John Menard, Paul’s dad, has long been a sponsor and team owner on the IndyCar circuit with today’s win marking his first Victory Lane celebration at the historic 2.5-mile oval.

Regan Smith finished third followed by Jamie McMurray and Matt Kenseth.

“A lot of fun today,” said Gordon, who was 12 seconds behind the leader with 12 laps remaining. “I had a blast driving it today, the car was awesome. I’ve got to congratulate Paul Menard. I don’t think there’s anybody in the garage that appreciates a victory here at the Brickyard more than Menard.”

Carl Edwards finished 14th and extended his lead in the 2011 Sprint Cup standings to 11 over Jimmie Johnson, who finished 19th.

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