October 4, 2009

Tony Stewart used a fast final pit stop to grab a much-needed victory at Kansas Speedway.

It was the first victory in eight races for Stewart and put him back into title contention after a tough start to the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Stewart's fourth win of the season helped him gain one spot in the standings to fourth, and cut his deficit in the standings to 67 points.

Points leader Mark Martin finished seventh to retain the top spot.

Jeff Gordon was second, followed by Greg Biffle, Juan Pablo Montoya and Denny Hamlin.

David Reutimann was eighth, but championship contenders Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch took the next three positions as Chase drivers grabbed 10 of the top 11 spots.