By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Jimmie Johnson and Dover International Speedway have been quite the combo throughout his NASCAR Cup Series career. The seven-time Champ will look to add to his already impressive Dover resume this weekend as the series heads to the Monster Mile for a rare doubleheader weekend.
Johnson is coming off an impressive finish of fourth in Sunday’s inaugural NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling 235 at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course. While Johnson didn’t walk away with the trophy, that ended up in the hands of his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Chase Elliott, Johnson still earned his best finish since finishing third at Bristol back in May.
“Good job to everyone on my No. 48 Ally Chevy team,” said Johnson. I just lacked that rear grip at the end there. That was a really fun and a solid day. That’s what we needed and now we go to my favorite track – Dover. So proud of Chase, what a road racer he is.”
The new paint scheme looked good up front today. I lacked the rear grip I needed to fight for the win. Next up, my favorite track for a double header. 🤙
Congrats to @chaseelliott, the 9 team and all of @TeamHendrick for the W.
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 16, 2020
His fourth-place finish surely provides some much-needed momentum for the 48 team as they try to make the playoffs and head to Johnson’s favorite track. He is currently sitting 17th in the points – 25 points out of 16th which is the final playoff spot. A win this weekend would solidify his spot at chasing his eighth championship with only three races remaining before the playoffs are set to begin.
Johnson hasn’t won in over three years but that could all change this coming weekend at the Monster Mile. Dover International Speedway just so happens to also be the site of Johnson’s last win in the NASCAR Cup Series. That win came in the 2017 AAA 400 Drive for Autism. It was also when Johnson captured his 83rd win at NASCAR’s elite level.
In 36 starts, Johnson has an incredible resume at Dover. He leads active drivers with 11 wins , 17 top-five’s, 25 top-10 finishes and he has also led for 3,110 laps
Johnson will roll off sixth for Saturday’s Drydene 311 seeking his 12th win at the Monster Mile.
Photo Credit: Nigel Kinrade Photography / NKP Photo