Jimmie Johnson wins the Brickyard 400, Writes his Name into the History Books
Jimmie Johnson dominated The Crown Royal Presents The Curtiss Shaver 400 At The Brickyard Powered By Big Machine Records race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Denny Hamlin started the race on the pole then led the first 27 laps. While Denny was leading, Jimmie Johnson who started 6th moved up to second. Jimmie Johnson proceeded to led 99 of the 160 laps, only losing the lead during green flag pit stops. During those long green flag stops Brad Keselowski, who was on a different pit strategy led 22 laps and looked like he had a chance. When Brad Keselowski finally pitted Jimmie Johnson took back the lead. Greg Biffle and his team had a valiant effort with a 2-tire stop only to be passed by Jimmie after four laps.
“The Big thing there is the 48 car, the parts they brought out this weekend, you can see it following, We’re racing trucks and they are racing cars and that’s why they’re winning. We got to make a step up before the chase to catch up to what they got there.” Brad Keselowski said about Jimmie Johnson’s win.
The race was a typical one for Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is very hard to pass on the track and most passing happens during pit stops or by using pit strategy during those spots. Today was no different.
Jimmie Johnson has now won four races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and enters the history books with other multiple winners; Jeff Gordon (4), Al Unser (4), A.J. Foyt (4), Rick Mears (4) and Michael Schumacher (5).
Matt Kenseth got caught up in a wreck and finished 35th giving up the led in the standings. Dale Earnhardt Jr. leads the point standings by 14 points over Matt Kenseth. The last time Earnhardt
Jr. led the points was 9/19/04 following the race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Jimmie Johnson is now fourth in points 27 points behind Dale. Matt Kenseth is second, Greg Biffle is third and Denny Hamlin is fifth.
Jimmie Johnson said, “I knew second or third lap on the track in practice that we were going to have an awfully good chance of winning. Qualified well then went out there today and put on an awesome show, had a solid performance”. If Jimmie Johnson’s team can keep this up, they will win the Sprint Cup again.
Brian Berg Jr. is the Lead NASCAR writer for www.RantSports.com.
Follow him on Twitter @brian_jr1 during the race and throughout the week for more NASCAR news and commentary. On Facebook at NASCAR News and Commentary
