RIGGS HOLDS ON TO VICTORY.

Byline: Aaron Mendonca Staff Writer

FONTANA - On paper, Scott Riggs is considered a rookie, but the 31-year old veteran of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series showed the poise of a seasoned veteran in winning the Busch Series Auto Club 300 on Saturday afternoon at California Speedway.

Riggs, driving the Nesquik Ford, took the lead on lap 102 and held off several late charges to win for the second time in two weeks.

Riggs had to battle to the front after starting in the 23rd position because of a blown engine during practice.

``We were hoping for top five or 10. We thought that would be an accomplishment after having to come from the rear,'' Riggs said. ``Once we started moving up the field, we knew if we played our cards right we would have a chance.''

The cards ended up falling into the perfect place for Riggs, as two late cautions helped him from having to pit late for fuel.

``Those cautions ended up helping us win,'' Riggs said. ``If it hadn't been for them the car would have been (running) on fumes.''

After Riggs took the lead with 48 laps remaining in the 150-lap race, he opened a six-second lead on the rest of the field, but the cautions kept giving the pack a chance to catch up.

Cautions on lap 133 and lap 142 set up a shootout for the finish that Riggs was able to win easily when his main challenger of the day, Greg Biffle, pitted on lap 134 for fuel and fell back to 14th place.

``Everyone was trying to go the whole way. I didn't understand it,'' Riggs said of the timing of Biffle's pit. ``He must have thought everyone would follow him in.''

But few cars decided to pit, and that left the door wide open for Riggs to take the title.

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(color) Scott Riggs lifts his trophy after winning the Busch Auto Club 300 Saturday.

Will Lester/Associated Press