DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Other than Dale Earnhardt Jr., just one driver led more than 10 laps Sunday – and Monday – at Daytona International Speedway.
Jimmie Johnson.
So it was only fitting that the two Hendrick Motorsports teammates were lined up side-by-side for the green-white-checkered finish to close out the race.
“Restart‑wise, I was excited to have a front‑row opportunity and just hopeful that the scenario behind me would play out right,” said Johnson, who led 35 laps.
“Man, I don't know what went on,” he continued. “We just couldn't get ‑‑ I had two or three shots at it and we just couldn't get our lane to go.”
As for Earnhardt, he knew that with Johnson – who already has four wins this season – lurking, even with a No. 88 Nationwide Stars and Stripes Chevrolet SS he called “phenomenal” at his disposal, nothing was certain.
“Anytime you see Jimmie back there behind you, you know he's got the same thing you've got, so that's never good,” Earnhardt said of his teammate. “He was tough all night. It was difficult to get by him and make passes on him for sure.”
When the green flag waved, Johnson gave it all he had in the No. 48 Lowe’s Patriotic Chevrolet SS.
“I got a great start with Junior and was door-to-door with him, but didn't have any help getting through (Turns) 1 and 2,” he said. “Lost control of my lane, and Junior was so strong all night, and you give him control of the race, he's not going to give that up.”
Ultimately Johnson crossed the finish line second and Earnhardt took home the checkered flag.
“Great performance,” Johnson said. “Happy to be one-two.”