Michael McDowell took the lead on lap 53 and never surrendered it Sunday to win the Brickyard 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

McDowell crossed the finish line less than one second ahead of runner-up Chase Elliott for his second NASCAR victory and a playoff spot.

Daniel Suarez, the pole sitter, finished third.

McDowell’s only other NASCAR win came at the 2021 Daytona 500.

The win put McDowell in exclusive company as winners at both Daytona and Indianapolis.

McDowell won the first stage Sunday on the 2.439-mile road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and led a career-high 54 laps.

Steve Bush photos.