Orson Welles first revealed the meaning and the relevance of “Rosebud” in his classic 1941 film production of Citizen Kane. Sixty-eight years later, another Kane, Kasey Kahne, was able to experience his own “Rosebud Moment” when he won his first race of the year and the tenth of his career at Infineon Raceway’s Toyota/Save Mart 350, the annual Sonoma California slugfest that rarely disappoints those who thrive on cocktails made with world class wines blended carefully with just a touch of high octane fuel.

The odds of winning were against Kahne from the start and the smart money was on the likes of Stewart, Gordon (pick one: Jeff or Robby), “Shrub”, Ambrose or Montoya. The odds were also stacked against RPM (Richard Petty Motorsports) which hadn’t fielded a winner for at least ten years. A decade of winless seasons, at least for a moment, was forgotten and supplanted by distant glories of the past infused with fond memories of a family owned racing dynasty that began in Level Cross, North Carolina some sixty years ago when “The King” stood alongside Kahne in Victory Lane, a winner once again. Three RPM cars in the final top ten were reason to celebrate in a way most thought they would never see in their lifetimes -- Richard Petty enjoying a sip of 2005 Bennett Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in Victory Lane. When asked what he thought about Kahne’s victory, Richard Petty replied, “He’s just doin' what he’s supposed to do.” RPM finished in the money this weekend so there won’t be a problem getting to the next race in Loudon, New Hampshire. This wasn’t so much of a problem before but with the financial malaise Dodge finds itself in, Chrysler’s ability to maintain sponsorship is in jeopardy. There was talk in the garage that usage of the new R6 engine is questionable and that a foreign manufacturer is ready to step in before the end of the season. For those stalwarts who cannot envision Petty in anything other than a Dodge, it will be a time of reckoning.

Surprising as it was, Kahne added his name to the growing list of drivers who aren’t known for their road racing abilities and he was the fifth different driver to win the race in as many years at Infineon. Maybe it isn’t so surprising that Kahne won, considering the fact that Kasey’s “role model” just happens to be Tony Stewart, an individual who’s proven his proficiency as a right and left turn negotiator equal to the likes of Jeff Gordon, who has won this event five times.

Kahne held off road course sensei Tony Stewart through a succession of five late-race double-file restarts, the final one occurring after Scott Speed spun out on lap 108. After starting from the rear because of an engine change, Marcos Ambrose chased the top two finishers to the checkered flag to claim third place, matching the best results of his Sprint Cup Series career. In his post race press conference, Tony Stewart said, “He (Kahne) just never made a mistake all the way to the end. He did an awesome job over the last twenty laps. He never missed a corner”.

Jimmie Johnson recovered from a pit-road speeding penalty to finish fourth. Denny Hamlin, who led for 33 laps, came home fifth. Juan Pablo Montoya, A. J. Allmendinger, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Gordon and Elliot Sadler rounded out the remainder of the top ten.

Jason Bowles, driving for Sunrise Ford, won the Bennett Lane Winery 200 when his teammate Patrick Long received a penalty for intentionally spinning out the race leader, Joey Logano, on the last turn of the last lap, moving Long into first place. At the conclusion of the race, Long attempted to enter the Winner’s Circle and was blocked from doing so by NASCAR officials. He was directed away and Bowles was motioned in. Logano drove by Long’s car a minute or two later and made it clear there was more to discuss when they returned to the garage.

The weekend included more than just on-track events that most came to see. There was the appearance of Grand Marshal, Kenny Stabler, former quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, a wedding of two Jeff Gordon fans officiated by Infineon track minister Tim Boeve in the Winner’s Circle on Saturday, a Kasey Kahne Custom Chopper giveaway raffle, and an auction to benefit Speedway Children’s Charities on Sunday which alone raised a total of over $25,000.

It was a special race with a surprising outcome that will be remembered for many reasons. Perhaps the one most surprised was Kasey Kahne himself who had this to say about the Toyota/Save Mart 350 and Richard Petty: “To see Richard Petty in the Winners Circle with me today … that was big. I don’t think coming in here today he expected us to win. I don’t think anybody did.”

Toyota/Save Mart 350 Gallery