CONCORD, N.C. — Mike Bliss drove to his first NASCAR Nationwide Series victory since 2004, catching a break to claim the rain-shortened event last night at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Bliss, who started from the back of the field, took the lead because he was in the right position when the caution flag came out with 39 laps to go.

The caution put Bliss ahead of series points leader Kyle Busch, who clearly had the car to beat most of the night. It looked as if Busch would get lucky when rain halted the race a few laps later and got him back near Bliss' bumper. But more showers came, and NASCAR officials called the Carquest Auto Parts 300 with 30 laps to go and Bliss still out front.

"I'm just tickled to death," Bliss said. "It hasn't sunk in, but I am getting there."

Nonetheless, Bliss knew he stole this one.

"Don't care," he said. "Yeah. But from a guy who is winning too much, anyway. The 18 was the best car, but (Busch) wins too much and no one likes him."

Bliss' win was the second in five weeks for owner James Finch, who picked up his first Cup victory when Brad Keselowski won at Talladega. Bliss gave Finch his 12th Nationwide win in 19 years, but first since 2005.

"This is a great month for James," Bliss said.