Matt Kenseth wins, Keselowski keeps points lead

By Jenna Fryer

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Oct. 21 2012 4:20 p.m. MDT

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Aric Almirola waits for help following a crash during a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012.

Colin E. Braley, Associated Press

Summary

Matt Kenseth won for the second time in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in a caution-marred race at repaved Kansas Speedway.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Matt Kenseth won for the second time in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in a caution-marred race at repaved Kansas Speedway.

The fast new surface and a hard tire contributed to Sunday's race-record 14 cautions, a season high for the Sprint Cup Series.

Nobody was immune from the problems, either, as at least five title contenders had issues.

Jimmie Johnson led 44 laps early, but crashed hard after spinning by himself. He had to stop at least a half-dozen times on pit road for repairs over two caution periods to salvage a ninth-place finish.

It was enough to keep the margin unchanged with Chase leader Brad Keselowski, who finished one spot ahead in eighth and maintained his seven-point lead in the standings with four races remaining.

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