Jimmie Johnson Claims Checkered Flag at Texas
Brad Keselowski looked like a sure thing to punch his ticket for the final four in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. He dominated Sunday's AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Keselowski led 312 of 334 laps and was in the lead until Jimmie Johnson finally found a way to pass him with four laps left to win for the sixth time in Texas.
Johnson's win is his fifth of the season and 75th of his career. Keselowski was forced to settle for a second-place finish.
Seven of the eight remaining Chase drivers were among the Top 9 finishers on Sunday. Kevin Harvick ran in second place most of the day, but overcame some tire issues to finish third. Teammates Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards completed the Top 5.
Kurt Busch came in seventh followed by Martin Truex, Jr. in eighth and Jeff Gordon coming in ninth.
By far the worst finish among the final eight was Joey Logano. A blown tire sent him into a spin and needed repairs. He came in 40th and will need to win next week at Phoenix for any chance of remaining in contention.
Heading into next Sunday's race, here are the current Chase standings:
- Jeff Gordon
- Kyle Busch
- Kevin Harvick
- Martin Truex, Jr.
- Carl Edwards
- Brad Keselowski
- Kurt Busch
- Joey Logano
Rookie Erik Jones finished 12th driving in place of the suspended Matt Kenseth.