CONCORD, N.C. -- Jimmie Johnson was caught up in a massive late-race accident Saturday night at Daytona International Speedway that ended his playoff hunt.
The seven-time Cup Series champion finished in 17th despite running in the top 10 for a large part of the race. Johnson was four points under the playoff bubble and needed either an outright win or enough points to surpass teammate William Byron to clinch the 16th playoff spot.
Instead, it was Byron who won his first Cup Series race and earned a playoff berth. Johnson still could have secured a spot if he had finished behind Byron in the race, but the accident derailed those chances.
"First and foremost, congratulations to my teammate getting his first Cup win like that," Johnson said. "This setting and the drama to go with it – that’s a big win for Chad Knaus and William Byron. I’m really happy for those guys. I really felt like we had a way to transfer, to win, or point our way in the way it went in the first two stages. Things just got ugly down in turn one. Unfortunate, but that’s plate racing."
Johnson placed fifth in Stage 1 and followed up with another fifth-place finish for Stage 2. He was in fourth before the final accident of the race took out his No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE.
"We had a really good car. The last couple of months, we’ve been really getting our act together and running well," Johnson said. "Definitely disappointed to not be in the playoffs – that was the No. 1 goal to start the year. But when I look back at the disqualification at Charlotte and then missing the Brickyard 400 due to my COVID-19 positive test and only miss it by six points – we did all that we could this year.
"I’m so thankful for Hendrick Motorsports and the career that I’ve had there, the relationship with Ally and their continued support for this race team. (Crew chief) Cliff Daniels and these guys on my team – they pour their guts out for me. There’s 10 races left, 10 trophies to go chase and we’ll have to focus our efforts there."
Johnson still is trying to earn his first win in three years. Daniels earlier said that not making the playoffs doesn't define Johnson career, especially with how much he has accomplished. Johnson echoed his sentiment and added Daniels has been a phenomenal leader for the 48 team.
"The last three years have been tough – we all know that," Johnson said. "I think we’ve shown some bright spots and Cliff has done a really good job of leading this team and taking this team in the right direction. I think we can show that and close out the year."