The 2004 Sylvania 300 was a Nextel Cup event held at New Hampshire International Speedway on September 19, 2004. Kurt Busch led 155 of the 300 laps in the first race ever in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, as Busch held off Matt Kenseth by 2.4 seconds. With the new championship format, Kurt Busch moved from 7th to a tie with Dale Earnhardt, Jr (3rd) for the points lead. Two contenders, Tony Stewart and Jeremy Mayfield hit trouble early after Robbie Gordon's payback on Greg Biffle caught up the duo. Stats