Jimmie Johnson Wins the AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway

Jimmie Johnson, K&N, NASCAR, AAA 400 Drive for Autism

Jimmie Johnson celebrating his win at the AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway

Jimmie Johnson won his third race of the season, in an overtime restart and crossed the overtime line to win his 83rd career race of his career. This win moved Johnson up to sixth place on the all time win list, and put him into a tie with his childhood hero, Cale Yarborough. This was Johnson’s eleventh career win at Dover International Speedway in the AAA 400 Drive for Autism.

"To be here and tie him at 83 wins is amazing," Johnson said. "We just got the tribute helmet. I wasn’t sure how quickly we’d be there (at 83 wins), or if we’d be able to go there and get it done. But, Cale, you’re the man. Thank you for all you’ve done for our sport."

Johnson led twice for a total of 7 laps. Johnson, who was not leading coming down to the 400th lap, was given new life when David Ragan crashed into the wall, causing a restart. Johnson saw his chance, and took it all the way to overtime and crossing the overtime finish line for the win.

"I never thought I would end up here in NASCAR as a kid racing in the dirt out in Southern California," Johnson said. "I was a big Cale Yarborough fan and I remember going to a race in Oklahoma with my parents and my brother.”

Kyle Larson finished in second place, leading for a race-high 6 times and 241 laps. Larson was passed by Johnson on the overtime lap, and lost the chance to pick up his second win of the season. This was Larson’s fifth second place finish of the season.

"It was a good race for us," said Larson. "Obviously, I didn't need that last caution. Yeah, I mean, Jimmie is the best of our time, probably the best of all time.

Jimmie Johnson, K&N, NASCAR, AAA 400 Drive for Autism

Jimmie Johnson racing during the AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway

Martin Truex Jr. finished in third place, and led for 3 times and 102 laps.

“Definitely proud of our finish today” Truex said. “I thought we definitely had a shot at the win until that happened, and after that it was just -- we were kind of playing catch-up. At a place that's really difficult to pass, we had to come from about 15th to get to third. Definitely proud of the run, proud of the effort and the car the guys brought here today.”

Martin Truex Jr. continues to lead the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series standings with 545 points and 18 playoff points. Kyle Larson is in second place with 536 points and 7 playoff points. Kevin Harvick is in third place with 429 points and 3 playoff points.

The next race in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will be the Pocono 400 presented by Axalta at Pocono Raceway.

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