The two cars were really the class of the field. Edwards lead the most laps in the race. Stewart made 118 passes during the course of the race, because of the early damage and a couple of bad pit stops. But it was a little bit of a strategy by Stewart's crew chief Darian Grubb that helped him to the title. The 14 car stayed out 12 laps longer than the 99 on what would prove to be the second to last round of pit stops for most. When a caution came out for rain, that added fuel mileage allowed Stewart to stay out when Edwards had to pit for fuel. Stewart restarted third, Edwards fifth. The two quickly pulled out to run first and second for the final 37 laps.
"He's a great competitor and a great guy," said Stewart. "It just shows you how classy he is that he was the first guy that came up and congratulated me."
"If we are in this possition next year, those guys better watch out," said Edwards.
Stewart becomes the first owner driver to win the points since Allen Kulwicki in 1992. It also marks the sixth straight year that a Hendrick chaises has won the championship. Jimmie Johnson has won the last 5. Stewart Haas Racing has a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports. Hendrick was also a big part of getting Stewart together with Gene Haas, to form this championship race team.
"My good buddy Rick Hendrick I couldn't have done it with out you bud and everyone over at Hendrick engines and chaises," said Stewart. "Darian Grubb and everyone on this team has just dug deep and never given up. This an awesome night. I am so happy to be able to do this for Gene Haas. That guy has invested so much in his sport."
Stewart won the points in 2002, 2005 and then this season. Giving him a Winston Cup, a Nextel Cup and a Sprint Cup.
Edwards finished second in the race and for the second time in his career, second in the points. Kevin Harvick finished third in the points, followed by Matt Kenseth and Brad Keselowski. Johnson finished sixth, his lowest points finish ever in the series.
Emporia native Clint Bowyer finished sixth in his final race for Richard Childress Racing. He finished the season 13th in points.
