Tony Stewart Wins At Indy, Takes Points Lead

Indiana native Tony Stewart managed to stave off a late-race charge from Kasey Kahne and pulled away to win the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday.

Stewart's victory combined with Jimmie Johnson's crash on Lap 145 gave Stewart the points lead with only five races remaining before the Chase for the Nextel Cup begins at New Hampshire. Stewart now leads Johnson by 75 points. Greg Biffle is third, followed by Rusty Wallace and Kurt Busch.

The long-sought Brickyard win was Stewart's fourth victory in the past six races. His average finish in the last seven races -- dating to a second-place finish at Michigan on June 19 -- is a 2.57.

The rest of the top five were Brian Vickers, Jeremy Mayfield and Matt Kenseth. The rest of the top 10: Casey Mears, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Sterling Marlin and Kyle Busch.

Stewart led a race-high 44 laps, while Kahne and pole-sitter Elliott Sadler both led 39. - Nascar.com