LOUDON, N.H. -- Kevin Harvick turned New Hampshire International Speedway into his personal playground, dominating Sunday's race to take the early lead in NASCAR's Chase for the Nextel Cup.

Harvick, who started from the pole and paced almost every practice session, led 196 of the 300 laps to run away with the first round of the 10-race Chase. He moved to the top of the points standings for the first time in his career, and holds a 35-point lead over rookie Denny Hamlin, who finished fourth.

"We just have to keep doing what we're doing," said Harvick, who won for the second consecutive week and fourth time this season. "If we keep winning races, we're not going to get outscored in points."

Defending series champion Tony Stewart, who did not make the Chase this season and isn't eligible for the championship, finished second.  More