The problem had developed between Turns 1 and 2, causing punctures on John Andretti and Jimmie Johnson's cars, and leading to the former crashing.
NASCAR officials had initially hoped that the problem could be fixed rapidly, but the resin course workers were using to plug the hole stubbornly refused to set at first as the ground remained moist following heavy rain in recent weeks.
Almost two hours after the red flag was shown, the problem was finally resolved and the drivers returned to their cars to complete the remaining 78 laps. The field has now left the pitlane for some yellow laps, before racing resumes with Clint Bowyer leading to the green flag.
