What Is 2007 Bank of America 500

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Bank of America 500 was a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race held on October 20, 2007, at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Kyle Busch won the race driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, leading 192 of 334 laps.

Key Facts

The 2007 Bank of America 500 took place on October 20, 2007
It was held at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina
Kyle Busch won the race driving the No. 5 Chevrolet
The race covered 500 miles over 334 laps on a 1.5-mile oval
It was the fifth race in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Chase for the Championship

Overview

The 2007 Bank of America 500 was a pivotal event in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, serving as the fifth race in the 10-race Chase for the Championship. Held at the 1.5-mile quad-oval of Lowe's Motor Speedway, the race attracted top drivers competing for playoff positioning and prize money.

The event drew over 160,000 spectators and was broadcast nationally on ABC. Known for its high-speed action and dramatic pit strategy, the race saw multiple lead changes and a late-race caution that intensified the final laps.

Date and Venue: The race occurred on October 20, 2007, at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, a track known for its challenging layout and intense competition.
Winner:Kyle Busch claimed victory driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, marking his third win of the 2007 season and boosting his playoff standing.
Race Length: The event spanned 334 laps over a total distance of 500 miles, conforming to the traditional 500-mile format of major NASCAR events.
Lead Changes: There were 27 lead changes among 13 different drivers, highlighting the race's competitive nature and constant position shifts throughout the event.
Caution Flags: The race featured 7 caution periods for a total of 45 laps under yellow, including a crucial late-race caution that set up a dramatic final restart.

How It Works

The Bank of America 500 is part of NASCAR's playoff system, designed to determine the season champion through a series of elimination-style races. Each event in the Chase impacts driver points, team standings, and playoff advancement.

Term: Chase for the Championship This was NASCAR's playoff format in 2007, where the top 12 drivers after 26 races competed in the final 10 events for the title. The Bank of America 500 was the fifth of these 10 races, directly influencing playoff outcomes.
Track Type: The race took place on a 1.5-mile asphalt quad-oval, known for high speeds and tight cornering, requiring precise handling and aggressive drafting strategies from drivers.
Points System: Drivers earned 180 base points for winning, with additional points for leading laps and leading the most laps, crucial for maintaining playoff eligibility.
Pit Strategy: Teams had to balance fuel mileage, tire wear, and timing of pit stops; 11 teams opted for a two-tire change during the final pit cycle to gain track position.
Manufacturer Competition: Chevrolet dominated the race, with 8 of the top 10 finishers driving Chevrolets, showcasing the brand's engineering edge that season.
TV Audience: The race was televised by ABC and drew an average of 6.8 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched NASCAR events of the 2007 playoffs.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key metrics from the 2007 Bank of America 500 with other major NASCAR events of that season:

Event	Date	Winner	Track Length	Viewers (millions)
2007 Daytona 500	February 18	Kevin Harwick	2.5 miles	17.1
2007 Bank of America 500	October 20	Kyle Busch	1.5 miles	6.8
2007 Brickyard 400	August 5	Jimmie Johnson	2.5 miles	7.2
2007 Ford 400	November 18	Greg Biffle	1.5 miles	5.9
2007 Southern 500	November 4	Dale Earnhardt Jr.	1.366 miles	5.1

This comparison highlights how the Bank of America 500 ranked in viewership and competitiveness among marquee events. While it didn’t match the Daytona 500 in audience size, it played a critical role in the championship chase due to its timing and high stakes.

Why It Matters

The 2007 Bank of America 500 had lasting implications for NASCAR’s playoff structure and team strategies. Its outcome influenced the final standings and demonstrated the importance of consistency in high-pressure races.

Playoff Impact: Kyle Busch’s win elevated him in the standings, though he ultimately did not win the 2007 championship, which went to Jimme Johnson after a strong playoff run.
Team Strategy: The race showcased Hendrick Motorsports’ dominance, with three of the top five finishers driving for the team, reinforcing their technical superiority.
Manufacturer Edge: Chevrolet’s performance solidified its reputation as the top manufacturer in 2007, contributing to its 11 wins in the Nextel Cup Series that season.
Fan Engagement: With over 160,000 in attendance, the event demonstrated NASCAR’s enduring popularity and regional draw, particularly in the southeastern U.S.
Historical Context: This was the final year of the Nextel Cup branding before Sprint took over sponsorship, marking a transition in NASCAR’s commercial era.
Broadcast Legacy: The ABC telecast was one of the last major NASCAR races on network TV before more events shifted to cable, signaling a shift in sports media consumption.

The 2007 Bank of America 500 remains a notable chapter in NASCAR history, combining competitive racing, strategic depth, and playoff drama that continues to define the sport’s appeal.