Jimmie Johnson dominance at Dover International Speedway continued Sunday as he notched another NASCAR Cup series win in the First State.
But Johnson’s 11th career victory on the Monster Mile wasn’t a pretty one.
He took the checkered flag in the "AAA 400 Drive for Autism" under caution after a major wreck behind him on an overtime restart, and he lead just 7 laps all day.
But the 7-time NASCAR Cup champ will take it
"We had a fast car and had to overcome a lot of adversity, but we still had a great car. And honestly, it all came down to a restart. I was able to get the power to the ground. I knew it was going to be extremely tricky on those old, hot worn out tires, and I just got a better restart [than the other drivers] is the way it turned out," said Johnson.
Johnson is now only the third NASCAR driver ever with 15 or more wins at a single track, joining Richard Petty, who turned the trick at Martinsville, North Wilkesboro, Richmond 13 and Rockingham 11, and Darrell Waltrip,who did it at Bristol and Martinsville,
This is also his 83rd career victory, tying him with Cale Yarborough for 6th all-time on the NASACR Cup circuit.
Yarborough was one of Johnson’s childhood idols – making this a special win for him.
"To tie him is just mind-blowing," said Johnson. "I was fortunate to have a similar experience with him when I tied him with the three consecutive championships and he surprised me at the [NASCAR post-season] banquet. To tie him at 83 wins – I swear to you, I only dreamed of winning a race. To have 83 and to tie home is just mind-blowing."
Johnson is the first driver to win three times here in the 2017 season and this victory moves Johnson to sixth in the points standings.
Points leader Martin Truex Jr. finished third to retain the top spot and Kyle Larson was second to stay in second in the standings.
