Kasey Kahne managed to end his 52-race winless streak by finishing first in the Coca Cola 600 race.

NASCAR’s longest race of the year decided its winner in the last three laps when Tony Stewart abandoned due to a flat tire and made way for Kahne’s victory.

Kasey Kahne became the first driver since 2003’s Jimmie Johnson to win both the 600 and the All-Star race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

"Tony Stewart had the win right there, and had a little problem, so we definitely had some help," Kahne said, according to the Washington Post. "When luck's on your side ... it's great. Luck is a big part of, I think, everyday life," he added.

Stewart has been trying to win the 600 race for the past 10 years and his mishap caused him a great deal of stress and frustration. He refused any comments about the race and allegedly stormed into his trailer very upset kicking at his cabinets.

This was his second consecutive defeat in the 600 race, after last year’s misfortune or miscalculation that left him short on fuel and lead to his forfeit after leading the race for 55 laps.

NASCAR estimated the race's attendance at 160,000, which even if it represents a massive turnout for a sporting event, left about 5,000 seats vacant.

The Coca Cola 600 is an annual 600 mile stock car race held at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina on the Memorial Day weekend.