RELATED: Full Sonoma results | Standings | Chase Grid
SHOP: Stewart gear
Tony Stewart returned from a back injury in April, and the three-time champion is in pursuit of one of the 16 spots in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup in his final season. Here’s a look at where the driver of the No. 14 Chevrolet stands in his pursuit after Sunday’s win at Sonoma, the season’s 16th of 26 regular-season races.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED
The Stewart-Haas Racing co-owner/wheelman’s phenomenal day at Sonoma started in 10th, and he raced inside the top five a good portion of the 110-lap event.
Following a Lap 87 caution, Stewart stayed out after just pitting previously for four tires prior to the caution, allowing him to cycle to the lead for the restart. He then remained atop the leaderboard to take the checkered flag, breaking an 84-race winless streak after a final lap battle with Denny Hamlin that saw Hamlin pass “Smoke” late, only to have Stewart return the favor at the very end. “Smoke’s” last win came in 2013 at Dover International Speedway.
He now sits nine points outside of the top 30 — which is where he needs to be in order to make the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and compete for his fourth championship.
RELATED: See how Stewart won at Sonoma | Overhead view of winning move
WHAT HE NEEDS
Stewart received a waiver from NASCAR for Chase eligibility. The surest way into the Chase is by winning before the end of regular season (at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 10) — which Stewart did on Sunday — and climb into the top 30 in the points standings. En route to his 2015 championship, Kyle Busch faced a similar path after missing the first 11 races with a leg injury. With the win now in the bank, Stewart can focus on reaching the top 30. He sits 32nd in the standings, nine points behind Brian Scott for 30th place.
WHAT’S NEXT
“Smoke” heads to Daytona International Speedway (July 2 at 7:45 p.m. ET, NBC, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), where he has four wins. In his 34 starts there, he also has nine top fives, 14 top-10 results and one pole award. Interestingly enough, all of his Daytona wins have come in the summer.
RELATED: See all of Stewart’s wins | “Smoke” granted Chase waiver