When the sun set over Martinsville Speedway Sunday night the Chase picture looked different, but yet the same. Johnson took over the points lead, Brad Keselowski made an amazing, almost magical run to stay in contention and Clint Bowyer continued to impress with a strong run that now has him well within range to win the title this season.
Jimmie Johnson was not going to be denied his seventh career win at Martinsville. He made a strong statement Friday by winning the pole and even stronger statement Sunday by leading the race high 193 laps en-route to his 59th career win. Johnson is back on top of the Chase and leads by a slim two points. It’s far from over, but Johnson is officially the one to beat.
“I’m ecstatic about the win today and ecstatic about the point lead, but this is no cake-walk,” Johnson said. “These guys are bringing their best each and every week and we’ve got to keep working hard to keep this Lowe’s Chevy up front; and we’re in good shape.” MORE>>>
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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