Casey Mears won his first major NASCAR race on Sunday, crossing the finish line with just enough fuel to claim victory at Concord, North Carolina.

"I can't believe we're in victory lane," the Chevrolet-driving Mears told reporters after nursing his fuel for the final 59 laps.

He ran out of fuel after taking the chequered flag.

J.J. Yeley took second in a Chevrolet for the first top-five finish of his career and veteran Kyle Petty was third in a Dodge.

Mears, the nephew of four-times Indianapolis 500 champion Rick Mears, inherited the lead when the race leaders pitted for fuel while he stayed on the track.

"We had a good enough car to make this risky call and it paid off, " Mears said.

Tony Stewart, who had the lead when he pitted for fuel, finished sixth and Jimmie Johnson was 10th after his crew dropped a nut during a pit stop.

(Writing by Gene Cherry in Raleigh, North Carolina)