Marlin wins Carolina 400

DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Sterling Marlin extended his dominating start to the season, coming from the back of the field Sunday to win the Carolina Dodge Dealers 400, taking over the lead after an 11-car accident that sent Tony Stewart to the hospital.

Marlin, the series points leader, qualified 11th for the race but was forced to start in the 43rd spot at Darlington Raceway after his Chip Ganassi Racing team changed the engine in his Dodge Intrepid.

He was able to move his way through the field, but didn't move to the front until Stewart, the race leader, and Jeff Gordon, who had the most dominating car during the race, were collected in the late-race accident.

That allowed Marlin to go almost unchallenged over the final portion of the race.

Elliott Sadler finished second, Kevin Harvick was third and was followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and rookie Ryan Newman.

Tests on Stewart were negative, track spokeswoman Cathy Mock said, and Stewart was admitted for overnight observation.