What else can happen? It was a day of unexpected occurrences and surprises that no race fan could ever anticipate.
The Indianapolis 500 has a rookie leading to the final corner, only to misjudge a pass and hit the wall, handing a former winner the victory. Fans stood in disbelief and shock as winner Dan Weldon sipped the milk.
But for NASCAR, it was all about the marathon that was the Coca-Cola 600. Daylight, sunset, twilight, darkness and everything in between was what makes this race special. But, who would have thought that the race would end the way it did.
The writers were solid in their picks, as majority were strong all race long. But, with laps winding down, it was all about what was left in the tank. Fuel conservation became key, as many favorites from earlier yielded for some Sunoco fuel. But, one caution was the key.
Jimmie Johnson's blown motor set the stage for possibly the most dramatic finish since Talladega. Leader Kasey Kahne was close on fuel, meanwhile Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the inside was told he could make it. Add in the fact it was Green-White-Checkered to finish the event, and it spelled drama.
Kahne runs out heading into turn 1, as cars pile up to avoid. Meanwhile, Junior Nation is hopeful and happy as their driver is leading at the white flag, and setting sail for what was to be a win in over 100 races.
Then, the engine sputters in turn 4, as the last of the Sunoco fuel ran through the system, and the No. 88 National Guard Chevrolet cut out, coasting around to the finish.
So who managed to be in the right place, at the right time? Call him what you want, whether it is "Happy" or "The Closer" or the popular "Mr. Where'd He Come From," it was Kevin Harvick leading the lap that mattered the most enroute to his third win of the 2011 season.
That win was the correct pick for only one writer, as many suffered heartaches in the last few laps, while others had trouble early, and some just found themselves surprised to get to the finish they had.
Here's a look now at the points following Sunday's marathon at Charlotte:
Kelly Crandall (444) Matt Kenseth finished 14th (2)
Sal Sigala Jr. (416) Kyle Busch finished 32nd (2)
Christopher Leone (400) Joey Logano finishes 3rd (2)
Billy Fellin (396) Kasey Kahne finished 22nd (2)
Misan Ayuka (394) Tony Stewart finished 17th (2)
Rob Tiongson (390) David Ragan finished second (1)
James Broomhead (380) Kevin Harvick WON (1)
Dustin Parks (373) Kasey Kahne finished 22nd (0)
Kara Martin (368) Jimmie Johnson finished 28th (1)
Michael Hirshbein (354) Kyle Busch finished 32nd (2)
Ryan O'Hara (348) Kyle Busch finished 32nd (1)
Summer Dreyer (334) Jimmie Johnson finished 28th (0)
Next Race: From a marathon in NASCAR's homeland, to another 1.5-mile tri-oval in America's heartland. Yes, the Kansas Speedway goes from being a Chase race to being an early-season attraction.
Whether the Wicked Witch of the West has a say in how this race is going to turn out is yet to be seen, but after the events at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a twister will seem tame compared to what happened Sunday night.
Writers, it's another Sunday afternoon event, but the deadline has not changed. Picks for the STP 400 at Kansas are due by 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 2.


