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Benson wins O'Reilly 200

Aug 23, 2007 - 4:08 AM BRISTOL, Tennessee (Ticker) -- Johnny Benson threw caution to the wind.

In a race that fell one shy of matching the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series record, Benson emerged victorious in the O'Reilly 200 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday night.

Starting third in the Toyota Tundra, Benson overcame the challenge of Brendan Gaughan on the 0.533-mile oval to post his seventh career victory and second this season. The 44-year-old, who had five victories last year, also captured the Toyota Tundra Milwaukee 200 on June 22.

Gaughan finished second in a Chevrolet Silverado, giving him his second top-five finish in four starts here. The defending champion, Mark Martin was third in a Ford F-150.

Points leader Mike Skinner came in fouth in a Toyota, while Rick Crawford rounded out the top five in a Ford.

Pole-sitter Travis Kvapil finished a disappointing 11th in a Ford.

The race featured 10 cautions, one short of the mark at Bristol set on June 21, 1997.

Kvapil held the lead until lap 17, when Gaughan took over. The newlywed surrendered the top spot on lap 42 to Benson, who remained in front until Kvapil pushed ahead on lap 105.

Benson regained the lead on lap 180 and never relinquished it despite Gaughan's challenge.