Racetrack Insider - News and Views of the Motorsports Industry from Insiders Drew Patey and Buddy Judy

Superman Wins Again

Superman doesn't wear a cape. He wears a blue and white fire suit and his name is Jimmie Johnson. On Saturday night, Superman flew into the Lowe's Motor Speedway and showed all of the other competitors that they are just about to see Johnson take his fourth consecutive Sprint Cup title. The Hendrick Motorsports driver dominated practice, won the pole and led the most laps on his way to his third win in The Chase. His lead in the standing is now 90 points over his Hendrick teammate Mark Martin. Johnson had to fend off a number of assaults on his lead by Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya, but no one had the horsepower to stay ahead of Johnson. Montoya looked to be on his way to another great race, but on a restart, he got held up as Mark Martin hit him from behind and ended his run to the front. At the checkered flag, it was Johnson followed by Kenseth, Kasey Kahne and then Gordon who was able to hold off rookie Joey Lagano for fourth place. Safety-Kleen drivers Clint Bowyer and Casey Mears took sixth and seventh place, followed by Kyle Busch. Safety-Kleen's Martin Truex and Kurt Busch rounded out the top ten. Chase drivers and Safety-Kleen sponsored teammates Ryan Newman and Tony Stewart salvaged 11th and 13th places in the end, but were never in contention for the win. A number of the other Chase drivers had trouble. Martin tangled with Montoya and was able to finish on the lead lap thanks to the last few cautions late in the race, while Montoya and his damaged the right rear quarter panel of his car caused him to have to come to pit road repeatedly for repairs. Brian Vickers also had a bad race and finished right ahead of Montoya in 34th. And yes, Dale Jr. had another bad race and finished way back. Thanks to the Charlotte branch and especially Steve Hetu and Charlie Barber for helping out at the track all week and coordinating the Pit Tours for the SK customers. Now off to the short track at Martinsville, Virginia next Sunday.