Jeff Burton had a momentary lapse of ignition. Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a momentary lapse of concentration. In each case, it was enough to ruin what could have been a top-five finish in Sunday's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

For Burton, it wrecked any chance of overtaking Mark Martin for the points lead. For Earnhardt, it took the shine off what could have been an even more impressive comeback after starting the day 40th in owner points.

Both drivers were impressive throughout Sunday's race. A hot day, combined with the new surface and hard tires, made for treacherous racing conditions, but Burton and Earnhardt were solid.

Earnhardt, who started 28th, gained track position by not pitting on Lap 17 when most of the field came in for service. He then stayed among the leaders for the rest of the day.

"The track was very slick and very rough, and I was just out there hangin' on and drivin' my [butt] off every lap," Earnhardt said. "I think everybody was.

"I saw some miraculous saves out there -- I mean world-class, top-10 unbelievable saves -- right in front of me. Guys that should have crashed every corner and didn't. The track was outta control because it's a new surface and it was hot and slick and nasty."

Burton, winner of Saturday's Busch Series race, seemingly had the car to beat until late in the event when his engine began to experience an electrical problem. Faced with a decision whether to replace the battery following a caution for Clint Bowyer's crash on Lap 225, Burton and crew chief Scott Miller opted for tires and fuel instead, hoping there'd be enough juice left to go the distance.

As Burton returned to the track second behind Jeff Gordon, the No. 8 crew got Earnhardt in and out of the pits within striking distance of the leaders.

Burton eventually regained the lead on Lap 235 following a stirring battle with eventual winner Jimmie Johnson and Gordon. However, at about the point where Johnson finally caught and passed Burton for good, the engine in the No. 31 Chevrolet bogged down again -- leaving Burton and Miller no choice but to hope for another yellow in order to switch out batteries. (Continued)