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. Continue reading →