Emotional Jeff Gordon salutes in Indianapolis

The Hendrick Motorsports driver claimed the lead with 16 laps to race of the 160-lap event, and he held on for his second win of the 2014 season.

Gordon, who won the inaugural Brickyard 400 two decades ago, said he was trying not to be taken by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway audience, in front of which he won for a fifth time.

"I was trying so hard with 10 [laps] to go not to focus on the crowd," Gordon said.

"Every once in a while, I'd glance up there and I could see the reaction. I was trying not to let it get to me and not think about it too much. And yet you can't help it.

"It's such a big place and such an important victory and a crucial moment in the season and the championship, and those emotions take over. I have my kids here.

"There's nothing better, especially at one of the biggest races, to have your family here.

"This one is for all those fans throughout the years and all weekend long."

Gordon moved to 717 points in the championship standings, ahead of team-mate Dale Earnhardt Jr (693 points) and Team Penske's Brad Keselowski (666).

Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs Racing) never led but managed a second-place finish, ahead of team-mates Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Team Penske's Joey Logano.

After leading for 70 laps, Kasey Kahne (Hendrick Motorsports) faded to finish sixth, followed by Kyle Larson (Chip Ganassi Racing), Kevin Harvick (Stewart-Haas Racing), Earnhardt Jr and Austin Dillon (Richard Childress Racing).