This week, the boys of NASCAR's top circuit invaded Watkins Glen, New York, in order to tackle the road course. Qualifying for the race was washed out by rain, so the starting positions were determined by the championship standings coming into the race. This was good news for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. who typically struggles with road course qualifying.
Tony Stewart overcame illness and cramping to win the race. Stewart remained in 4th place in the chase for the championship. Points leader Jimmy Johnson had an early exit again this week. His engine troubles left him with a 40th place finish. This did not knock him out of the top spot, however. Johnson's teammate, Jeff Gordon, also struggled on this day. Gordon finished in 21st, but this was good enough to keep him in second place in the standings. Dale, Jr. mustered a 5th place finish to remain in 3rd in the overall points race.
Next up: GFS Marketplace 400 from Michigan International Speedway.
