Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s / Kobalt Tools Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway on September 29, 2013
Photo – Justin Heiman/Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson’s quest for a sixth-championship went into full-effect Sunday afternoon at Dover. Johnson paced the field throughout the day to come away with the victory. It was his fifth win of the season, but more importantly his eighth at Dover making him the all-time leader of victories at the Monster Mile. Passing two legends in Bobby Allison and Richard Petty.

The race may not have begun well for Johnson, but he worked his Dover magic to make the outcome a favorable one for the No.48 team. His teammate, Dale Earnhardt Jr., began the day on the pole and led many laps in the early going. This race looked very promising for an Earnhardt Jr. victory, but the move that likely cost him the victory occurred under the first round of green-flag pit stops when he missed pit road. By carrying too much speed on his approach to the pits, he missed the entrance costing him valuable time. That misfortune was beneficial for Johnson who assumed the lead after the round of stops.

A debris caution on lap 165 led to more pit stops and it was Matt Kenseth beating Johnson off of pit road to take over the top spot. Kenseth’s turn out front didn’t last too long, however, since Johnson regained the lead on lap 198.

Johnson led for the most part from that point and en route to victory. Throwing a wrench in his path, the yellow flag appeared for debris with 31 laps left to run. Pit strategy varied under the caution, but Johnson was able to stay out front. He held off a hard charge from Earnhardt Jr. on the restart, but he did so in a commanding fashion.

There really wasn’t a choice for Johnson coming into Dover. He needed to perform well at arguably his best track to stay in contention for the championship. He did so and this win will push his closer to the Chase lead. Matt Kenseth remains on top for now, but will Johnson carry momentum from this win through the next few weeks? Johnson is only warming up for his run at the Sprint Cup and will only get better and better as the season winds down.

Results via ESPN.com