The four-time NASCAR champion tied the late Dale Earnhardt for sixth place on the career victory list with 76, winning for the first time since last July.
After ending the 26-race victory drought, Gordon stopped to pick up a flag bearing Earnhardt's famed No. 3 and black, red and white color scheme for his slow victory lap around the mile oval.
"It means the world," Gordon said. "Holding that 3 flag, it's certainly by no means saying we're as good as him. I learned so much from him. We wanted to honor him. We've been holding onto that flag for a long time."