Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards were going head to toe in this NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship. Carl led most the laps and looked to be the guy to beat. Lurking in the mid pack was Tony Stewart, who started 15th. After hitting an object on the track, the team had to replace a grill piece. He restarted 40th and quickly made his way to the front. After a caution, Stewart and team decided to do more work on the front of his car. This put him back in the pack yet again.
No matter where Tony started, he made his way through the pack with ease. The number of cars that Tony Stewart passed was near 75. Once Tony got to the front, he was able to lead some laps with fuel concerns and the weather being a possible issue. Tony Stewart needed to get to lap 55 so that he could race until the end without stopping for gas again. Of course, the rains came after he pitted and the caution came out. Edwards and others took two right side tires and fuel before.
Once Tony had the lead, he never looked back. He had four fresh tires and plenty of fuel to get to the end and then some. Carl Edwards was right behind him ready to pounce if Stewart made a mistake. A mistake would not be made by the then two time champion. Tony Stewart won his 5th chase race out of ten, won the championship in convincing fashion. This is arguably the best championship race in a long time or perhaps ever. This is the first time an owner/driver has won a championship since the late Alan Kulwicki. Tony Stewart, 2011’s Sprint Cup Champion.
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