Jimmie Johnson scores first win of the season in the Coca Cola 600

In a long race full of disappointment and engine issues for some, pole sitter Jimmie Johnson was able to grab the lead late on in the race and pull away with the victory in the Coca Cola 600, followed closely by ‘The Closer’ Kevin Harvick and last year’s championship runner-up Matt Kenseth.

Johnson showed his speed early, dominating the beginning stages of the race, along with Harvick and Kenseth. Throughout hte night, different strategies were tried, but Johnson’s pure speed won out in the end.

It looked be Carl Edwards’ race to lose after pit road strategy, he was leading the race without needing to have to take another pit stop. However, Alex Bowman would bring the caution out with 20 laps to go. The race restarted with Jeff Gordon, Matt Kenseth, and Jimmie Johnson leading the field to green.

Matt Kenseth was quick to capitalize and took the lead from Jeff Gordon on the outside and pulled away as Jeff Gordon began to fall back slowly. Jimmie Johnson quickly caught up to Kenseth and after a risky and a hold-your-breath pass, Johnson attained the lead, and never looked back.

Kevin Harvick whose car was dominant throughout the race was able to pass Matt Kenseth near the end and finished second while Kenseth was able to walk away from Charlotte Motor Speedway with a third place finish.

Edwards, McMurray, Vickers, Gordon, Menard, Kyle Busch, and Keselowski rounded out the top ten.

Unfortunately, other drivers suffered misfortune throughout the night, including Ambrose, who spun out at lap 235. Danica Patrick, who was behind him, slowed down and was run into by the 33 of Brian Scott. Landon Cassil spun himself out while trying to avoid the wreck.

Danica Patrick qualified for fourth and ran inside the top ten for much of the first run until her handling, and eventually her engine went away. Around lap 219, Danica Patrick’s car went down a cylinder, leaving her trailing the field with speed and power.

After complaining of a left rear shock absorber issue and being down two cylinders, the Memorial Weekend Double Dipper, Kurt Busch, blew his engine on lap 274.

It seemed to be a night of engine issues for Hendrick Motorsports affiliated teams as Earnhardt Jr. suffered a 19th place finish despite running upfront early due to an unscheduled pit stop to raise the hood at lap 311 after reporting a vibration.

Leaving Sunday’s race, the point’s standings are led by Gordon, followed by Kenseth, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, and Dale Jr.

Next week the Sprint Cup Series heads to Dover, Delaware. Tune into FOX next Sunday.

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Barry Albert

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