Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP)—In a typically wild ending at Talladega Superspeedway, Clint Bowyer edged teammate Kevin Harvick for the victory Sunday, but all three contenders stayed neck-and-neck in the frantic race for NASCAR’s championship.

Bowyer, winner of the opening race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, earned a bit of redemption. He had been stripped of 150 points because NASCAR said his winning car at New Hampshire was illegal.

This victory came under chaotic circumstances. A wreck way behind the leaders sent AJ Allmendinger’s car flipping across the track, but the front pack maintained its furious push to the flag.

Nobody had any idea who was leading when NASCAR called the caution that froze the field. Richard Childress Racing knew at the very least, one of its drivers had won, and Bowyer celebrated with burnouts while Harvick sat in his parked car waiting for the call.

NASCAR needed several minutes to review the finish, and Bowyer stuck his hand out his window for a congratulatory high-five with Harvick as they waited.

Bowyer got the call, Harvick settled for second and the championship race remained the closest in Chase history as contenders Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin all finished inside the top-10.

“It’s going to be an awesome championship battle all the way to Homestead, and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Johnson, the four-time defending champion.