This was Johnson's second NEXTEL Cup victory in as many weeks as Johnson also scored the win last week in Vegas.
Qualifying
Ryan Newman was fastest in qualifying over fellow Dodge driver Elliott Sadler. The Chevys of Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon rounded out the top five.
Newman had to change motors before the race so he was forced to give up his top starting spot. This moved the inside row up one spot so Jimmie Johnson moved up from the third starting spot to take the green flag from the pole.
Drop The Green Flag
Hendrick teammates Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch and Jeff Gordon jumped out to the early lead. Kyle Busch had a vibration around lap 20 and pitted for four fresh tires. This pit stop dropped Kyle off the lead lap and out of contention.
Jimmie Johnson stretched out a four second lead before the first caution flag flew on lap 36.
Storylines
Tires were a factor during Saturday's Busch race. There was a lot of concern coming into the Kobalt Tools 500 that tires could be a problem again for this NEXTEL Cup race. Drivers were definitely taking it easy early in the race to see how the tires were going to react. The Goodyear tires seemed to be holding up ok as long as the drivers didn't push too hard.
When tires failed to be the story there was no other story to take its place. Drivers were just clicking off laps. Waiting for the finish and staying safe was the order of the day. Much like the race in California, today was a good day for a "NASCAR Nap."
Chasing The Checkers
The field took the green for the final time with twelve laps to go. Tony Stewart jumped out to a quick lead but Jimmie Johnson ran him down. They battled side-by-side for the lead with Stewart on the outside and Johnson on the inside. With three laps to go Johnson finally got past when Stewart bobbled slightly.
Johnson coasted home for the win.
Top Ten
- Jimmie Johnson
- Tony Stewart
- Matt Kenseth
- Jeff Burton
- Juan Pablo Montoya
- Clint Bowyer
- Carl Edwards
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Reed Sorenson
- Mark Martin
The Points
Mark Martin posted his fourth consecutive top ten finish of the year
The top twelve in points are now:
- Mark Martin -0
- Jeff Gordon -8
- Jeff Burton -11
- Jimmie Johnson -28
- Matt Kenseth -62
- Tony Stewart -122
- Kevin Harvick -147
- Denny Hamlin -149
- Clint Bowyer -150
- Carl Edwards -158
- David Stremme -166
- J.J. Yeley -167
Next Week
Next week Bristol Motor Speedway hosts a momentous NASCAR race. The Car of Tomorrow makes its NEXTEL Cup debut next week on the high banks of Bristol. This historic race will finally see the debut of the long-awaited new car. Will fans notice the difference?
