FONTANA, CALIF. (AP) -- Tony Stewart outdueled points leader Jimmie Johnson on a late restart and pulled away for his first career Sprint Cup win at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday.
Stewart vaulted five spots in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship with his first win in 19 tries at California, but Johnson pushed his points cushion to 36 with six Chase races left.
Clint Bowyer went around Johnson on the final lap to finish second in his first race without suspended crew chief Shane Wilson.
Stewart started 22nd after a rough qualifying day, but was strong from the start of a lead-swapping 400-mile race, the final fall date at Fontana.
Engine troubles put a dent in the championship chances of Kurt and Kyle Busch, Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards.
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