Jimmie Johnson beats Matt Kenseth to the finish line to win the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
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Jimmie Johnson and his No. 48 team started off the 2006 season amidst controversy. NASCAR found an illegally adjusted rear window in the car that created an aerodynamic advantage after Daytona 500 qualifying. Chad Knaus, Johnson’s crew chief, was suspended for the first four races and fined $25,000. Chief engineer Darian Grubb took the helm in his absence. Johnson went on to win his first Daytona 500, even though many people questioned the integrity of the win.
Las Vegas rolled around and Johnson was the defending race winner. Greg Biffle won the pole for the race with a speed of 172.403 mph. On race day, it was Biffle’s Roush Racing teammate, Matt Kenseth, with the most dominant car.
Kenseth already collected two wins at Las Vegas, in 2003 and 2004. He led 146 laps on the day and it appeared Kenseth was headed to his third victory at the track.
Johnson still had Kenseth in his sights, looking to become the third driver to win at Las Vegas in back-to-back years. It was déjà vu for the second straight week, as Kenseth and Johnson finished 1-2 at California Speedway a week earlier.
A late caution bunched up a field for a green-white-checkered finish. Kenseth held off Johnson for the first lap, but the No. 48 car was right on the back bumper of the No. 17 car. Johnson had a good run off turn two on the last lap and stayed right in the tire tracks of Kenseth. Kenseth dove to the inside in turn three, but Johnson’s momentum put him alongside the No. 17 and both drivers were side-by-side. It was a drag race, and at the stripe, Johnson edged Kenseth in a photo finish.
The margin of victory was .045 seconds, the closest Cup finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Johnson led only one lap in the race, and it was the most important one.
Kenseth would be his biggest competitor for the 2006 Nextel Cup Series Championship. In the end, Johnson finally won his long-awaited championship and started a streak of winning five straight championships.
2006 UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 Top Ten