From the September, 2006 issue of Stock Car Insider

Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway Recap

Kevin Harvick left his mark on New Hampshire International Speedway in yesterday's Slyvania 300. Harvick started in the pole position and led 196 of 300 laps at the 1-mile low-banked track.

Harvick was on a clear-cut mission to win a race in which he had one of the top, but not necessarily the most dominant cars in the field. Nobody bothered to tell him that though. On just lap 37, Harvick barreled his way between championship contenders Jeff Burton and Denny Hamlin. The move nearly cost all three drivers a severe setback in the chase for the championship. However, miraculously Harvick emerged with the lead.

Other championship contenders fared as follows:

2. (-35 points) Denny Hamlin had a strong car for much of the day, and even led the race at one point. He finished in 4th place.

3. (-41 points) Matt Kenseth and the #17 DeWalt team started their weekend off on a bad note with the culprit being bad brakes. However, a team known for its resiliency came through. They finished in 10th place and led the race to capture 5 bonus points.

4. (-50 points) Jeff Gordon had one of the top cars all weekend. He finished in 4th place and led the race to capture 5 bonus points. Time will tell if the #24 Dupont team can maintain championship form and help Jeff capture a record 5th championship.

5. (-64 points) Jeff Burton's hopes for a championship were nearly dashed early with a risky 3-wide pass by teammate Harvick. The driver who is credited with revamping Richard Childress Racing is sitting pretty after a 7th place finish in the Sylvania 300.

6. (-75 points) Mark Martin stayed out of the spotlight, as usual, for much of the day. The seasoned driver posted a solid 11th place finish to lock him in 6th place for the championship.

7. (-81 points) Dale Earnhardt Jr was visibly disappointed with his 13th place finish in the Sylvania 300. Jr, who feels people perceive him as a carefree driver living a celebrity lifestyle, wants people to understand that he only has eyes for the championship.

8. (-110 points) Kasey Kahne gained two spots in the points on the misfortune of championship contenders Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson. Kasey's 16th place finish wasn't great, but it sure beats a 39th place finish.

9. (-139 points) Jimmie Johnson is pulling, what's become known in the NASCAR world, a Johnson. His late season collapse started yesterday with a 39th place finish. The finish dropped him 7 positions in points.

10. (-146 points) NASCAR's sexiest bachelor, Kyle Busch, uglied up his place in the championship with a 38th place finish.

See complete 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Race Schedule