Tony Stewart ran terrible for most of the opening half of the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville, but an incredible comeback culminated with a victory. It is his third win of the Chase and the 42nd of his Sprint Cup career.
Stewart passed Johnson on the last restart of the race and held him off over the last three laps to grab the victory. Jeff Gordon finished third, ahead of Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin. The top-10 was rounded out by Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Martin Truex Jr., Carl Edwards, and Ryan Newman.
Chase hopeful Brad Keselowski spun on the final restart and finished 17th. Matt Kenseth stood a chance to take the point lead after Edwards' struggles, but he was involved in two major incidents late in the going and a third that changed the complexion of the race. First, Kenseth sent Brian Vickers slamming into the turn three wall. Then, his No. 17 Ford suffered a flat tire and went slamming in the wall on the restart from that crash.
With less than 10 laps remaining, Vickers ran into the back of Kenseth - who had just returned to the track - and spun to draw a caution flag.
With just three races remaining on the season, Edwards holds just an eight point edge on Stewart, seeking his third Sprint Cup title and first since 2005.