A championship is near for Johnson

BY JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer

Comments (...)

E-mail this story

Print this story

Comments

AVONDALE, Ariz. – When a fluke accident cost Jimmie Johnson a huge chunk of his points lead, he knew there was no more room for error in his bid to win a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship.

But when it came time to plot a strategy for Phoenix International Raceway, playing it safe was never an option.

Johnson cruised to a dominating victory Sunday that moved him to the edge of history, winning the fourth race of this Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in what his rivals considered a “statement” showing.

His win at Phoenix – Johnson’s fourth in the last five races here, and seventh victory of the season – stretched his lead to 108 points over Martin heading into the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson needs to finish 25th or better next week to grab a spot in NASCAR’s record books.