Underdog Bowyer Wins Round One

Going into the Sylvania 300, this year's Chase had the feel that it would be more wide open that any other Chase before it.  That feeling was felt even more after the conclusion, that saw 12th seed Clint Bowyer steal the race from a sputtering Tony Stewart.

Bowyer had dominated the first two-thirds of the race, leading 177 laps total.  But Tony Stewart seemed destined to win, as took he lead with 52 to go and held a large lead.  Fuel mileage would be an issue, however, as Stewart ran dry coming to take the white flag.  Bowyer held off a charging Denny Hamlin to take his first win since the spring 2008 Richmond race.

With his second place finish, Hamlin holds on to the points lead.  Bowyer is 35 back with Kevin Harvick lurking in third, 45 points behind he leader.

3 DRIVERS WHO WISH THEY RACED HERE EVERY WEEK

-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #88 Amp/National Guard Chevy.  Gotta give a little love to Junior.  He scores his first top five finish on a non-restrictor plate track since Michigan last year.

-Kevin Harvick, #29 Shell / Pennzoil Chevy.  Happy's car was evil at times, but he rallied to score a fifth place finish.  This team just might be destined to win the Cup.

-Sam Hornish Jr., #77 Mobil 1 Dodge.  It was announced that Sam's looking for a ride for next year, and a solid top ten finish will help his cause.

3 DRIVERS WHO WANT A DO-OVER

-Kurt Busch, #2 Miller Lite Dodge.  Kurt looked like a dart without feathers out there in the final 100 laps.  He finished 13th, but he could have had a top five.  Can't shoot yourself in the foot like that in the Chase.

-Matt Kenseth, #17 Crown Royal Ford.  The #17 team is on their third crew chief of the year, and still they made the Chase.  But they entered with the least amount of momentum, and contact with Brad Keselowski sent Matt into the wall and a 23rd place finish.  I agree with SPEED's Larry Mac, Kenseth and the #17 team are done already.

-Tony Stewart, #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevy.  Darian Grubb's decision not to pit for fuel earlier cost Tony not only the win, but 89 points.  It's going to be real tough to make up those points in the final nine races.

Next race, the AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway.  Broadcast live on ABC Sunday, September 26th at 1 pm/et.

(Photos by Getty Images and Motorsport.com)