Victory enhances Kahne's position

SONOMA, Calif. (AP) - Kasey Kahne figured a spot in the Chase for the championship was an unrealistic goal just two months ago. He wasn't running well, Richard Petty Motorsports was behind in its development, and the competition was steadily pulling away.

Then came a strong five-race stretch, punctuated by yesterday's win at Infineon Raceway. It came at a road course, of all places, and snapped Kahne's 37-race winless streak.

It also moved him up two spots in the standings to 13th, just three points away from a berth in the Chase.

"The Chase is what we work for every year. We need to have a car in that...