CONCORD, N.C. — The two hottest drivers in NASCAR lined up side-by-side for a final dash toward a cool $1 million prize.

But when Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch tangled in their race for the lead, Kurt Busch sailed through the carnage to steal a victory in last night's All-Star race.

Kurt Busch, the 2004 series champion, was ecstatic as he crossed the finish line for his first career All-Star race victory.

His younger brother, furious at Hamlin, was waiting back at the team hauler for his teammate after unleashing an expletive-laden tirade over his radio.

"Somebody better keep me away from Denny Hamlin," Kyle Busch shouted. "I swear to God, I am going to kill (him). All his ... fault. I had this race won! It was won!"

Hamlin and Kyle Busch were racing each other for the lead in the final segment of the annual All-Star event when Hamlin tried to block Kyle Busch's attempt at a pass.

The defensive move pinched Kyle Busch against the wall, and later into Kasey Kahne to end his night.

Hamlin, after finishing fourth, was directed by his team not to go to his truck. He was escorted to the hauler and after a lengthy meeting, Busch emerged, but didn't stop to comment.

Hamlin came out smiling and said everything was fine.

"That's Kyle in the moment," he said of Busch's radio threat. "I told him my job as the leader is to do everything I can to win that race."

INDY 500

Helio to start on pole: Helio Castroneves put his foot down yesterday and proved he's still the one to beat at Indy.

The defending 500 champion and three-time race winner wrapped up a wild qualification day at Indianapolis by topping 228 mph on two of his four laps, averaging 227.970 mph to win his fourth career Indianapolis 500 pole. Nobody, including Castroneves, had touched 227.9 in practice, even on one lap.