Jimmie Johnson scores 700th win for Chevy

FORT WORTH, Texas – Jimmie Johnson scored the 700th all-time victory for Chevrolet in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. This unprecedented win secured an important milestone for Chevrolet as the most successful manufacturer in NASCAR history. In addition to reaching this 700th win for the brand, Johnson brought the Chevy Impala to Victory Lane for the 151st time in the nameplate’s history.

“We are so very proud of Jimmie and his win today at Texas Motor Speedway, said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president Performance Vehicles and Motorsports. “On behalf of everyone at Chevrolet, we congratulate the entire No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team in this momentous victory. The unparalleled dedication and tireless effort of all our Team Chevy members have made this important achievement possible.  We salute all the drivers, team owners, and crews for their performance and contribution in securing each and every one of the 700 wins for Chevrolet from 1955 – 2012 in NASCAR’s elite division.”

Chevrolet’s rich heritage in NASCAR competition began when Fonty Flock took the checkered on March 26, 1955, at Columbia Raceway in Columbia, South Carolina, in his ‘55 Chevy.  Fifty-seven years later the ‘Bowtie Brand’ has continued to set the mark. 

“Chevrolet has a storied history in NASCAR competition,” said Mark Kent, director of Chevrolet Racing. “Behind every single one of the 700 victories has been dedicated and talented Team Chevy drivers, car owners and crews who have worked together to create a tradition of excellence. They are supported by our formidable group of Chevy engineers and specialists that enhance the depth and legacy of the Chevrolet brand in NASCAR. We are truly proud of this accomplishment.”

This win was Johnson’s 60th NASCAR Sprint Cup career victory and fifth of 2012.

“This is a great performance by the entire No. 48 Lowe’s Team all weekend long”, said Johnson.  To win the pole, lead the most laps, and then win the race is a big deal. The significance of 700 wins for Chevrolet is really huge for Hendrick Motorsports. It’s also big for me. The only thing I’ve ever raced throughout my career has been a Chevy. They gave me my first opportunity back when I was 15 years old and put me in an off-road stadium truck to help develop a new truck that was coming along. And I’ve been with them ever since. So, it’s very cool to hit this landmark number for Chevy and I’m very proud of the efforts.”

“I think this is a pretty big deal”, added crew chief Chad Knaus.  “We have a long relationship with Chevrolet and we’ve won a lot of races with them. We were able to clinch the Manufacturer’s Cup Championship for Chevy last week in Martinsville, VA; and to be able to come back this weekend and get win the 700th victory I think is really cool. Hendrick Motorsports is extremely dedicated to the product of Chevrolet and to be able to do that is an honor.”