Tony Stewart wins first race of '08

[DainBramaged]

Tony Stewart ended his frustrating winless season Sunday by earning his first Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway when NASCAR ruled Regan Smith’s last-lap pass was illegal.

Smith was in second and trailed Stewart for the final three laps around Talladega, and the rookie made one desperate attempt to grab his first career victory by ducking inside of the two-time champion to attempt a pass.

Stewart blocked, Smith dove below the yellow out-of-bounds line at the bottom of the track to make the pass, and beat Stewart to the finish line. NASCAR reviewed the move — a driver is allowed to make the pass if officials believe he was forced under the line — and declared it illegal.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/27038571/