Jimmie Johnson Wins at Martinsville, Takes over Points Lead - East Idaho News
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Jimmie Johnson Wins at Martinsville, Takes over Points Lead

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Getty S 102812 Jimmie%20Johnson?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1351468364426Streeter Lecka/Getty Images(MARTINSVILLE, Va.) — The five-time Sprint Cup champion is back atop the points lead after the big win at Martinsville on Sunday.  Jimmie Johnson took home the checkered flag for the 59th career time after he beat Kyle Busch to the finish line at Martinsville Speedway.

This was Johnson’s seventh career victory at Martinsville.

“I’m ecstatic about the win today and ecstatic about the points lead, but this is no cake-walk,” Johnson said.  “These guys are bringing their best each and every week. … The next two races will tell the tale. Anything can happen. We could both wad it up next week and Clint Bowyer is your champion.”

Brad Keselowski came into the race as the points leader but started 32nd and finished in sixth to leave only two points away from Johnson.

“You can’t count this team out,” said Keselowski.  “I know this championship’s going to come down to Homestead, you just got to be in position where you’ve got a shot at it.”

Busch was followed by Kasey Kahne, Aric Amirola, and Clint Bowyer rounded out the top five.  Bowyer sits in third in the points after his finish.

“It was a good day for us,” said Bowyer. 

The Sprint Cup series will head to Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 4 with just three races remaining in the chase for the championship.

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