Hendrick Motorsports Richmond Recap

RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 11, 2010) – Jimmie Johnson threatened for the win in Saturday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Richmond International Raceway, but ultimately crossed the finish line third and earned the second-place spot in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Race winner Denny Hamlin captured the top spot for the championship hunt, which begins next weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Johnson opened Saturday’s race from the 11th position and led seven laps, never falling outside of the top 10. With a fifth straight title in his sights, Johnson will be joined in the Chase by his teammate Jeff Gordon, who also is seeking a fifth Cup championship. Gordon drove his No. 24 DuPont/National Guard Military Intelligence Chevrolet to a 12th-place finish Saturday, and he will start the postseason from the eighth position. Mark Martin, driver of the No. 5 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet, finished 20th on Saturday, while Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove his No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet to a 34th-place result.