Bowyer takes Chasers to task at NHIS

After an entire week of having to answer questions about being the only Chase driver without a win this season, Clint Bowyer had the last word.

Bowyer thoroughly dominated the Sylvania 300 on Sunday at New Hampshire International Speedway, picking up his 1st career Nextel Cup Series victory and vaulting himself from 12th to 4th in the standings.

Bowyer, who led 6 times for 222 laps, took the lead for the final time during a round of green flag pit stops with less than 50 laps remaining.

"I was hoping and praying nobody crashed," said Bowyer, who left the car on the track after a celebratory burnout and walked to victory lane when he could not restart it. "It's unbelievable. I'm so happy for these guys.

"It just shows we earned a spot here and we're here for a reason."

Bowyer is now just 15 points behind Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, who are tied at the top with 5,210 points apiece.

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Sylvania 300

Unofficial results

1. Clint Bowyer, Emporia, Kan.; 2. Jeff Gordon, Pittsboro, Ind.; 3. Tony Stewart, Columbus, Ind.; 4. Kyle Busch, Las Vegas, Nev.; 5. Martin Truex Jr., Mayetta, N.J.; 6. Jimmie Johnson, El Cajon, Calif.; 7. Matt Kenseth, Cambridge, Wis.; 8. Casey Mears, Bakersfield, Calif.; 9. Ryan Newman, South Bend, Ind.; 10. J.J. Yeley, Phoenix, Ariz.