Kahne Edges Stewart at Sonoma, Snaps Drought for Petty

SONOMA, Calif. (AP) -- Kasey Kahne gave struggling Richard Petty Motorsports a much-needed boost Sunday, holding off Tony Stewart at Infineon Raceway to snap a 37-race winless streak.

Kahne was met in Victory Lane by Richard Petty, who made his first trip as a car owner in more than a decade. A Petty-owned car had not won a race since John Andretti's victory at Martinsville in April, 1999.

"I feel just as good as he does," said The King, clad in his trademark cowboy hat and sunglasses. "It's great, man. It's great."

Petty's race team teetered on the verge of collapse at the end of last season and needed a January merger with Gillett-Evernham Motorsports to stay in business. The team was rebranded as Richard Petty Motorsports and kicked off the season with a strong showing at the Daytona 500.

But it's been a rough ride, since. Team manufacturer Chrysler is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and funding to RPM has slowed to a crawl as Dodge restructures. The team laid off nine employees earlier this month and made company-wide salary cuts, and it's been plagued by whispers of financial instability the last several weeks.

Just Saturday, majority team owner George Gillett agreed to sell the NHL's Montreal Canadiens in a deal that should help him fight any solvency issues.

It's made for a frustrating season for Kahne, the star of the four-driver team, who at times this year has been vocal about RPM's progress. His criticism prompted team officials to push out a new Dodge engine, and the improved motor had given Kahne hope that there's reason for optimism.

Now he has his first victory on a road course -- a remedy for any disgruntled driver.

"I learned how to drive on dirt," Kahne said. "So to come out and win on a road course ... it feels great. I can't believe it."

The victory moved Kahne to 13th in the standings, one spot shy of qualifying for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

Stewart finished second and was followed by Marcos Ambrose, who blew a motor in Saturday's practice that forced him to start at the back of the field and forfeit his third-place qualifying position.

Latest NASCAR Images

Kasey Kahne, right, applauds as Richard Petty has a drink of wine after Kahne won the NASCAR Toyota/Save Mart 350 auto race, Sunday, June 21, 2009, in Sonoma, Calif. Petty was in victory lane as a car owner for the first time in more than a decade. (AP Photo/George Nikitin)

SONOMA, CA - JUNE 21: Kurt Busch, driver of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kurt Busch

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SONOMA, CA - JUNE 21: Juan Pablo Montoya, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, leads Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard/Mountain Dew Chevrolet, Clint Bowyer, driver of the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet and Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Juan Pablo Montoya;Dale Earnhardt Jr;Tony Stewart;Clint Bowyer

Getty Images

SONOMA, CA - JUNE 21: Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Tony Stewart

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Kasey Kahne celebrates after winning the NASCAR Toyota/Save Mart 350 auto race, Sunday, June 21, 2009, in Sonoma, Calif. (AP Photo/George Nikitin)

SONOMA, CA - JUNE 21: Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge, leads Tony Stewart, driver of the #14 Office Depot Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kasey Kahne;Tony Stewart

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SONOMA, CA - JUNE 21: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M's Toyota, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kyle Busch

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Kasey Kahne celebrates after winning the NASCAR Toyota/Save Mart 350 auto race, Sunday, June 21, 2009, at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. (AP Photo/George Nikitin)

SONOMA, CA - JUNE 21: Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge holds the Sunoco checkered flag after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kasey Kahne

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SONOMA, CA - JUNE 21: Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 Budweiser Dodge, celebrates in victory lane with his crew chief Kenny Francis after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at the Infineon Raceway on June 21, 2009 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Kasey Kahne;Kenny Francis

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Jimmie Johnson was fourth and was followed by Denny Hamlin and Juan Pablo Montoya, who moved up two spots in the standings to take the 12th Chase position.

AJ Allmendinger, Kahne's teammate at RPM, was seventh and Clint Bowyer, Jeff Gordon and RPM driver Elliott Sadler rounded out the top 10.

Kahne led the final 38 laps but had to stave off a final charge from Stewart on an overtime finish.

Scott Speed's spin with two laps to go set up one final restart, and under a NASCAR rule started three races ago, Kahne and Stewart were side-by-side on the restart. Kahne zipped to the front from the outside, then pulled down in front of Stewart to firmly take control.

It was Kahne's first win since Pocono last June.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

6-22-2009 @ 6:04AM

obamaizadope said...

C'mon folks, you may have been born at night, but not last night. Tony let Kasey win, simple as that. If that's ANYBODY but Kasey in front of the best driver out there, he's finishing second (or worse).

6-22-2009 @ 7:17AM

illsell4u said...

Congratulations to Kasey and RPM. Had this race gone 5 more laps the best driver out there, Marcos Ambrose, may have won it. Then again, Jeff Gordon climbed 30 places in the last 30 laps showing why he is the all time leader in wins at road courses in Nascar. Even Dale Jr was climbing and headed for a top ten finish when he was spun out at the end.
Considering the number of restarts in the last 20 or 30 laps, I would have to say the best driver and the best car out there did win it.

6-22-2009 @ 8:32AM

Kim said...

Congratulations to Kasey and the King, Richard Petty! What an amazing race! I have been critical of Kasey's driving at times, wondering out loud if he was as good as some say he is. He sure proved yesterday that he is in fact that good. He drove that car like he stole it. His restarts were flawless as was his driving. Even Tony Stewart just couldn't get it done as he repeadidly spun his tires on the double file restarts. Kasey remainded amazingly calm through all the double file restarts and didn't "rear view mirror drive" like so many others were doing.

Kasey Kahne does indeed seem to have the talent and finally got a much needed win for himself and for his team. Congratulations to them all!

On a side note: Marcus Ambrose continues to impress me. It won't be long before he has his first cup win.

Kim

6-22-2009 @ 9:45AM

racingphan said...

Tony couldn't pass Kasey because he was sliding in the grease dripping off the bag of double cheeseburgers he had with him.
Or maybe because his triple chin isn't very aerodynamic.

6-22-2009 @ 12:46PM

Jack said...

Someone must have left the door open. Beavis and Butthead are on here displaying their knowledge once again. What a pair.

6-22-2009 @ 2:38PM

hilryshaves said...

yea, illsellkim4u are nitwits. the reception on their rabbit ear tv in the trailer park must be poor.

6-22-2009 @ 1:47PM

nzcr14 said...

OK KKKK has got a win after a year plus bringing the king happy and smiley into victory lane once again.IT HAS BEEN AGES SINCE I'VE SEEN R. PRETTY IN
VICTORY LANE congratulating a driver of his.Had he waited for his poneytail biker son to win it would been another 10 years.
GOOD RACE from KKK, GOOD SHOW,GOOD SKILLS SO CONGRATULATIOONS but himself said often he has learned must of the druving skills and tracks tricks from STEWART MOSTLY than JJ THAN JG.(HIS FRIENDS).
HOWEVER, STEWART although his temper tangerim antics
is known to be a great GOLD HEARTED PERSON, and i seen him doing it(FAVORING) DALE JARRET 2 YEARS AGO at daytona. I seen him favoring MM LAST YEAR AND THIS YEAR. I NEVER BELIEVED. I'M STILL NOT SURE IF I SHALL BELIEVE. BUT MY STERN IMPRESSION IS THAT STEWART FAVORED KKK WIN EXSPECIALLY IN THE LAST 23 LAPS yesterday. 4 restarts inthe last 23 laps and not enen once i saw STEWART getting os the bottom or top of KKK or even close to his bumper to make a pass.4 CHANCES THAT KEPT ON COMING IN THE LAST 23 LAPS OF RACING AND NOT ONCE TONY ATTEMPTED TO OVERTAKE KKK.
YES HE CAN SAY WHATEVER HE WISHES AFTER THE RACE ABOUT HOW GOOD KKK WAS AND SO HIS CAR.
BUT TONY I NEVER SAID ANYTHING BEFORE ABOUT; I GOT THIS IMPRESSION OF FAVORS EXSPECIALLY TO MM
At daytona 2 years ago in the last50 yards of the last lap you had your victory in the pocket with DJ
AND THE CHOCHO TRAIN BEHIND YA PUSHING YOU TO FINISH LINE. HE GETS OUT OF THE WAY OF JARRET IN THE BOTTOM LANE AND MOVES TO RHE OUTSIDE LANE where another cho cho train line was 10 to 20 yards behind
and would not push enough air behindv his bumper to put him at finish line first AND PLUS THE HIGHER LANE IS THE LONGER LANE TO FINISH LINE.
ROOKIE MISTTAKES??? NOT, NOT.It's called FAVORS TO A FRIEND DRIVER PERIOD AND YESTERDAY WAS THE 4th time I HAD SUCH IMPRESSION. WAS THE 4th time i SEEN IT. STEWART CAN DENY AS MUCH AS HE WANTS IF QUESTIONED. I DO NOT GET SUCH IMPRESSIONS REPEATEDLY
WITHOUT SOMETHING BEING THERE.
KKK SAY THANKS TO TONY IF YOU GOT THE WIN. WORKS FOR ME.I NEVER WANTED TO BELIEVE IT. OTHER POSTERS AND FANS HAVE BEEN SAYING SO and i ignored or spoke against, but 4 TIMES NOW I CANNOT BE WRONG ALL 4.

TONY STEWART IS BIG ENOUGH, SKILLED ENOUGH, POPULAR ENOUGH TO SPARE HIMSELF FEW WINS, MAYBE EVEN A CHAMP. cause he has gotten 5 champs, including the former series he was running in. HE CAN GIVE HIS HEART AWAY IF HE WANTS TOO but do not try to fool the fans with rethoric. just shut up about if you do not want to embarass or lover your friends driver
rate of achievement.
KKK THE KID KASSY KANE for those interested AND NOT THE KLU, KLUX, KLAN, should thank you U at least in private.NO FANS NEED TO SEE IT.
THAT'S MY OPINIONS, THOSE ARE MY IMPRESSIONS,THAT IS WHAT I SEEN ON THE TRACKS AT RACE FINISH.
again.... woekf for me.... but do not try to full me. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT I HAVE TO AGREE WITH POSTER OSAMADOPED on defferent issues.
I guess once at while he spits reality instead of nonsense.

6-22-2009 @ 1:51PM

james said...

Jimmie Johnson should pay for the damages to the #2 dodge , Kurt Busch had a #1 car that day , johnson was in the wrong !!!!

#2

6-22-2009 @ 9:08PM

star said...

and how much should Edwards pay for punting junior at the end????

6-22-2009 @ 11:20PM

James,

I completely agree that Jimmie was in the wrong as does Jimmie Johnson himself. I am a fan of Jimmie's and when I saw what happened to Busch, I immediately thought, oh...that's not Jimmie. Jimmie is a very clean driver and does not like to punt someone out of the way just to win or gain position. That's why after the race, he immediately headed over to Kurt to apologize. Jimmie knew he made a mistake, he manned up and apologized for it. How many other drivers would do that? Not many, which is why I am such a big fan of such a classy driver.

I have to say, too that I was equally impressed with how Kurt handled the situation. He was very calm. He is definitely not the old Kurt Busch that so many hated. He has grown and matured into a fairly classy driver himself. Now, if we could just get his brother to do the same. :-)

Kim

6-22-2009 @ 2:04PM

OH and KIM, TONY SPUN HIS TIRES ONLY ONCE ON THOSE LAST 4 RESTARTS. SORRY, but that's all i seen and that is all the TNT RACE REPORTERS SAID TOO.
and it was on the first of the 4 final restarts.
He is not a rookie and would not made the mistake repeatedly,i would think.
have a nice day, works for me..

6-22-2009 @ 3:39PM

The only nitwits on here are you "shaves" and that bottom feeder in post #1. Probably one in the same.

6-22-2009 @ 5:00PM

Thats OK Jack. 30 years ago when I wanted a better picture on either my parents or grandparents TV I could just go outside and turn that antenna if I needed to and the picture would get better. Maybe if Hilry goes outside and turns around he/she/it will get smarter. It's worth a try.
mbl

6-22-2009 @ 8:10PM

robsphase said...

Kasey drove a great race. It seems the people(person) that caused most of the problems was Boris Said. There were people that had problems but Boris seems to have caused more than anyone else. I think he's desparate because he's pretty much lost the advantage that he used to have. Now the only way he has a chance will to have the big money to buy the people and cars to match everyone else. Skill is equaling out. No I don't care much for Johnson but I think it was just a racing deal when he hit #2.

6-22-2009 @ 9:42PM

It might be worth a try illsell4u but do you really think there is a chance of that actually happening? Smarter??? Don't see it. More stupid? Don't see that either. Not logical.

6-22-2009 @ 10:53PM

Ron said...

Kasey Kahne is an excellent driver. This is not open for opinion in my world. I've known that for a long time. Are you listening Kimi? There are several very good drivers in Nascar's top level that don't get the recognition they deserve or get dumped on simply because they "don't win". Unfortunately this seems to be the fan favorite measuring stick. It's easy to say and you don't have to explain anything. It's rigtht there! Two words! Nuff said!
There is no point in me going on why these very good drivers and teams aren't as successful as others. I have tried in the past to lay out the bigger picture as I see it (from a driver's point of view) why some teams struggle more than others. I believe fans would have a better overall understanding of things if they opened their eyes and their minds.

6-22-2009 @ 11:14PM

Hey Ron!

Yes, I am listening, but apprently I am a "nitwit" so understanding might be my real problem. LOL.

I completely understand where you are coming from. It is becomming more and more clear this year that underfunded teams and drivers versus the big, superfunded teams such as Hendrick, Roush & Gibbs are definitely struggling not from a lack of talented drivers, but more from a lack of funding.

I cannot even imagine how much it costs to put together just one race car. Believe me though, I do get it. I have always thought Kasey was a good driver, just am not a big fan of Dodge in general. Sorry. :-( I think Kasey is more a victim of the vehicle manufacturer than of his own doing. I have always loved Elliot Sadler and I know he is a much better driver than his numbers show. He is also a victim of poor funding and a subpar car IMO.

Kim

6-22-2009 @ 11:45PM

KKK has not been a top tier driver,cause he spend the last 5-6 years at DODGE EVERGREEN, APOOR PERFORMANCE TEAM.Honestly i think he will not have much more success at PRETTTY downhell racket unless suddenly the pretty enterp. is having a turn around.
I believe KKKK would been a much more successfull driver if he had raced for HMS/GIBBS.
A little more success,had he drove for the brown hat crybitch, jack grouch.
Comparable a little to MM situation but with many years still left ahead of him to make up.
but at PRETTY ENTERP. RACKET???.
HAVE MY DOUBTS; NOT TOO SURE YET. works for me...

6-23-2009 @ 8:30AM

Ron, I was watching a Nascar show the other day on TV and at least one of the "analysts" wanted qualifying for the chase changed to be dependant ONLY on wins, not points. While it is still 10 weeks away that would currently not include Edwards, Biffle, Newman, and Hamlin. Drivers that are all very good and in the top eight. It would however include Brad Keslowski who has only run 4 races all year. Not to say he is not good but does he deserve to be in the chase?
You know I am not a fan of the chase to begin with but this would really be insane. The analyst that was pushing this kept saying, "it is all about the wins which is what is the most important factor". He even suggested a 100 point bonus per win as opposed to the current 10. He loved the checkers or wreckers philosophy.
Sorry, but I prefer the week in and week out driver that finishes in the top ten or twelve as opposed to the driver that wins 2 races a year and finishes an average of 17th the rest of the season.
Take Mark Martin. he is getting ink because he has 3 wins and is a chase contender for the first time since he went to a part time schedule. If anyone were to do the math, which I have, he was averaging enough points in the past few years to have easily made the chase had he run a full schedule. He was just not winning. Not winning may have been due to not having the best equipment or it may have been due to not putting in a full time effort. But that is not to say he was not still a competitive driver.
MBL

6-23-2009 @ 8:38AM

Oh, here is another thought. I was very happy when Nascar went to the two wide restarts based on running position but I did not think about the road courses for this. When they say "cautions bread more cautions" that is never more evident than having two wide restarts on a road course.
Setting up side by side racing is a good thing. Setting up drivers to wreck each other is not.
mbl