Johnson Short on Fuel at Michigan
Jimmie Johnson dominated Sunday’s Sprint Cup Series event at Michigan International Speedway, leading 165 of 200 laps before running out of fuel with fewer than two laps remaining.
“Certainly frustrating,” said Johnson. “We had a lot of power under the hood. It takes a lot of fuel...we had a great car. It’s not fun to have stats like we do here, leading laps and not go to victory lane, but we are working hard at it.”
Click here to see photos from the Carfax 400 at Michigan
Johnson started the race fourth and led six times throughout the event, only falling out of the top three due to pit cycles.
Johnson, who has never won at the two-mile track, had the car to beat all day. He reported a tight Lowe’s Chevy early and a loose car late, but never had a hard time staying up front. The No.48 team pitted for the final time on Lap 149 for four tires and fuel. But despite saving gas under caution, and also while leading, Johnson was unable to make it the final 51 laps.
"We had the fastest car by a bunch and I hate it for Jimmie and I hate it for all my guys,” said crew chief Chad Knaus. “We just really didn't have a choice. It's just like the last race here. When you lead all the laps; when you get to the end, you don't want to just fall back and settle for a fifth or a sixth-place finish. That's not what we wanted to do. Fortunately enough, we're in a position to where if it would have worked out, we would have been great. It would have a storybook ending for us, but unfortunately it didn't work out."
On Lap 198 Johnson reported to the team that he was out of gas and came to pit road. He returned to the track and crossed the finish line 33rd.
“Just the way it goes,” said Johnson. “We did all that we could. Unfortunately we didn't make it. This car makes a lot of horse power and I've got to thank the engine shop for that. Days like to day it didn't work out. So I've just got to thank this crew for working so hard, all the Lowe's employees and a big congratulations to (race winner) Brian (Vickers)."
The result dropped Team Lowe’s Racing to third in the point standings, 19 points behind second place Jeff Gordon and 303 behind leader Tony Stewart.
The series will travel to Bristol Motor Speedway next weekend for a Saturday night race. The event will be broadcast live under the lights on ESPN beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET.