Jimmie Johnson plays strategy correctly to win Quickens Loans 400

After figuring out every which way to lose a race at Michigan whether coming close, wrecking or having a mechanical issue, Jimmie Johnson finally did it. The six-time Sprint Cup Series Champion picked up his first Michigan International Speedway win on Sunday as he won the Quickens Loans 400.

“We have figured out every way to lose this race. And today we were able to get it done,” Johnson commented in victory lane. “A huge thanks to Lowe’s and KOBALT and all the employees at Lowe’s; I encourage everybody to enjoy this great spring weather and do a little shopping now. Thanks to Chevrolet and the fans and my fans.

“And for so many years, my dad was here and I wanted to win this race with him here. But I know he’s up in Upper Michigan with my two brothers, racing some off-road trucks. So, Dad, we did it finally. And then as a father (himself), what an awesome day. It tickles me deep. And I sure want to win everybody out there a Happy Father’s Day.”

For Johnson, it marks his 69th career Sprint Cup Series victory and his series-leading third victory of the year. It also marks the fifth straight victory for Hendrick Motorsports, a streak that began with Jeff Gordon’s victory at Kansas Speedway. This isn’t a first time thing for HMS, as they’ve done three previous times, including seven in a row in 2007.

Kevin Harvick dominated the beginning of the race, though beginning at lap 90 when multiple cautions started flying, strategy started. Some drivers would stay out while others would pit for two or four tires. Johnson’s strategy had him stay out under the last caution at lap 147, pit under green with 36 laps to go and go from there to the end.

Harvick would finish second for his seventh top-10 finish of the 2014 season after starting on the pole. Brad Keselowski would finish third after running inside the top 10 throughout the day.

“I think everyone tried some strategy,” Keselowski commented. “The 4 (Harvick) and the 24 (Gordon) looked really strong and had the cars to beat there. It just about who would have the best strategy. I think either way we would’ve finished third to fifth. We needed a little more there to run with those guys. We’ve got fast cars this year and feel that we’re right there. we have a lot of consistency right now, but wish it would’ve been three wins but still happy.”

Nationwide Series race winner Paul Menard finished fourth to give Richard Childress Racing their second top-five finish of 2014.

“Just had a fast Chevy all weekend,” Menard commented. “It was a good father’s day weekend for sure. Just needed some clean air at the end and the guys did that with the strategy and we got a good solid top-five.”

Kasey Kahne would round out the top five after going a lap down early in the race and receiving the lucky dog at lap 90.

“It was tough earlier. I was just floating all over place out of control,” Kahne commented. “The guys did a good job. Struggled for awhile and then we were on a good strategy at the end.”

He was followed by Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gordon currently leads the standings, 15 points ahead of Johnson.

“The car was exceptional and belonged in victory lane,” Gordon said. “When we lost track position, it just got real loose and we could never move forward. Sixth – yeah, not indicative of the race car and where we should’ve finished.”

Kyle Larson got back to finish eighth after going for a spin on the backstretch and ripping off the back bumper early in the race.

“I’m sure it was somewhat of an advantage from what one of my crew members said,” the rookie commented, referring to the lack of a bumper. “I think even if we had the rear bumper, we’d have a good day. I just made a couple too many mistakes. I spun over there; I feel bad for that. I then sped on pit road. I then got back to eighth – a good finish but probably would’ve done better if not for mistakes.”

Joey Logano and Ckint Bowyer would round out the top-10.

Many drivers would go for single-car spins throughout the day as a result of slick conditions around the oval. Most avoided trouble, except for Brian Vickers who got into the wall when he spun on the first lap of the race.

“I was going into turn three and the 22 (Logano) jumped inside of us and it just came around,” he commented. “I just lost it and I thought I had it saved – but it just came around.”

Kyle Busch also wouldn’t have a good day as he went to the garage with a broken left rear hub on lap 79. Austin Dillon had a good run going, though finished 30th after having to make an unscheduled pit stop for a mechanical issue.