Johnson Gets Emotional Atlanta Win

HAMPTON, Ga. (Oct. 31, 2004) – Jimmie Johnson earned his third consecutive victory Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, putting himself and Team Lowe’s Racing back into the thick of the “Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.” But the win meant so much more than that. One week after a Hendrick Motorsports plane went down near Martinsville, Va., Johnson’s Atlanta performance helped kick-start the healing process of an entire organization. “Once I got in the car today and knew what I was supposed to do, I honestly forgot about everything until I took the checkered flag,” Johnson said. “I wanted to do the victory lap to honor our friends. “It doesn't change anything and we don't get back our friends that we lost. But it sure makes all of us feel a little better to be able to do something like this.” In an emotional celebration in Victory Lane, Johnson was greeted by crew members of each Hendrick Motorsports team, along with his teammates -- Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte and Brian Vickers. “I am just so proud of Jimmie and everyone on this team,” said Labonte, who finished 31st. “For them to come back from such a tough week we have all had, it is just incredible for them to be able to win this race for Rick (Hendrick) and all the family and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. “It is really a special day. It is awesome.” Vickers, who posted his career-best NEXTEL Cup effort with a seventh-place finish, agreed. “I finally have a smile on my face,” he said. “I can't say enough about this organization and congratulations to Jimmie, Chad (Knaus, crew chief) and everyone on the Lowe's team. “This organization is unbelievable and that Randy Dorton motor was just awesome.” Gordon finished 34th after a broken rear-end gear sent his No. 24 DuPont Chevy to the garage, but remains within striking distance of the championship lead. He was one of the first to greet Johnson in Victory Lane. “This is a very special day for the Hendrick Motorsports organization,” Gordon said. “I am just so proud of Jimmie and Chad and this entire Lowe's team. We all wanted a victory here and all four of us were trying so hard to win this race, and I just know that this has brought a lot of smiles out there. That is so awesome and I am just so proud of the whole organization for coming together and stepping up the way they did. “We all wanted to win this race for the Hendrick family and for all those who were part of that tragedy and the families who are still grieving. This certainly doesn't take that pain away, but boy, it helps a little bit.”