Tony Stewart finished third a year ago at Richmond International Raceway, extending a string of solid efforts that dated back to his epic championship run the season before. Fresh off his first title, he was showing early-season strength unusual for a driver whose best didn't typically kick in until the summer and fall. With two victories already, his berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup was effectively secured. After leading 118 laps on the Virginia short track, there seemed the potential for many more to come.
