Jimmie Johnson leaves Michigan in unfamiliar territory

For the first time in his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career, Jimmie Johnson is on the outside looking in with three races before the NASCAR Playoffs begin.

Johnson finished 34th, eight laps down in the Consumers Energy 400 Sunday (August 11) at Michigan International Speedway, the fourth time the seven-time champion has finished 30th or lower in 2019, placing him 12 points outside the playoff cutline, 18th overall.

“We’re just going to have to rally on and these guys are doing an amazing job,” Johnson said. “We’ll keep digging.”

Johnson entered the race weekend holding the 16th and final playoff position with a tiebreaker over Ryan Newman.

In addition, Johnson’s winless streak — dating back to Dover International Speedway in May of 2017 — now sits at 82 races, the longest of his career.

“We’re just going to have to keep fighting for every point,” Johnson said.

Johnson has won Cup Series races at the remaining three tracks left in the regular season; Bristol (two times), Darlington (three) and Indianapolis (five).

The next Cup Series races will be the Bass Pro Shops / NRA Night Race on Saturday, August 17 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

SOURCES
Fantasy Racing Cheat Sheet
NBC Sports
Racing-Reference.info