LOUDON, N.H. -- Ryan Newman picked a good time to grab his first win of the season.

Newman, who barely squeezed into the Chase for the championship, got off to a fast start in NASCAR's 10-race playoff Sunday by outdueling points leader Tony Stewart down the stretch.

Stewart, who started from the pole, dominated through much of the race, leading 173 of the 300 laps in the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway. But Newman won a late battle with Stewart, passing him on lap 199 and holding the top spot by two car-lengths.

Following the final pit stops by the leaders, Newman found himself just ahead of Stewart when the green flag waved with 16 lap to go after the last of 10 caution flags.  More