It Wasn't Pretty but Tony Stewart Managed to Move Up to 8th in Points after Atlanta

To say that Tony Stewart had an up and down day at the Kobalt 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway would be an understatement!  Stewart qualified 15th, started 41st after an engine change, ran as high as third, went down a lap after a tire problem, and finished on the lead lap in 13th spot.  He also managed to move up three spots in the points to eight place.

Stewart experienced drive train issues during practice and chose to change the engine as a precaution.  It appeared to be a good move when he came out strong as the green flag dropped and quickly moved up in the field. 

Stewart was running 13th at lap 306 when he pitted with a possible tire problem.  After going down a lap, he was able to regain his position and finish the race in 13th spot.  He finished the fourth race of the season in the 8th spot in the Chase standings, 134 points behind leader Kevin Harvick.

Kurt Busch won the race followed by Matt Kenseth and Juan Pablo Montoya.

Tire wear made pit stops important during the Kobal 500 at Atlanta

Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR

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