Johnson Finishes 13th in Rain-Delayed Event at Lowe's Motor Speedway
CONCORD, N.C. (May 25, 2009) -- Jimmie Johnson finished 13th in Monday’s rain-delayed Memorial Day weekend event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
After the Coca-Cola 600 was postponed due to rain showers in the area Sunday night, Johnson started the event fifth when race activities resumed at Noon Monday.
See Coca-Cola 600 weekend photos here.
The three-time champion ran between first and eighth for most of the race, but battled a loose, then tight car as the field worked around rain-delays. When the race was halted for the third time due to weather on Lap 227 of 400, Johnson came down pit road for four tires and fuel and returned to the track 13th. David Reutimann, Ryan Newman and Robby Gordon stayed on the track.
After making five laps under caution, NASCAR brought out the red flag for rain, freezing the field.
“It wasn’t quite how we wanted things to turn out,” said Johnson. “We were up front for most of the race but battled loose and then tight the last run. I think we would’ve been fine if we would have had some more laps. I know we did everything we could to get it in though.”
After a two-plus hour delay, the race was called and Reutimann was declared the winner. Johnson was credited with a 13th-place finish. Newman, Gordon, Carl Edwards and Brian Vickers rounded out the top five.
“I appreciate the fans who stuck around and watched on TV,” added Johnson. “We really wanted to get the Lowe’s Impala SS into Victory Lane for Memorial Day and especially for the more than 12,000 Lowe’s employees who were on our car. We’ll have to go get them at Dover.”
The Sprint Cup Series will travel to Dover International Raceway for the next event. The May 31 race will be broadcast live on FOX beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET.