via Getty
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 09: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Fueling Futures Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 09, 2020 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
via Getty
BROOKLYN, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 09: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Fueling Futures Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 09, 2020 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
During the middle of the NASCAR Cup Series season, there is always one non-championship race. This is known as the All-Star race and has been there in the sport since 1985. Back in 2012 though, Jimmie Johnson went on to win the race, ahead of Brad Keselowski and Matt Kenseth.
WATCH STORY: Nascar Big One at Daytona: Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman and More, Gets a Piece of Action
In the final few laps, Kenseth got alongside the Hendrick driver in the pit lane. However, Johnson was able to surge ahead, and it got better for him on the restart as Kenseth had a slow getaway. That allowed Penske’s Brad Keselowski to get the jump on the #17 car and slot into 2nd.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Try as he might, Keselowski could not catch Johnson until the chequered flag dropped. Coming back to Johnson, he made around $11,348 per lap. Considering that he led nine laps, he made quite a hefty sum, along with his cash prize for winning.
What did Jimmie Johnson do?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As he celebrated with a few donuts and burnouts, Johnson gave owner Rick Hendrick a ride. Admittedly, Hendrick looked quite terrified because he was hanging halfway out of the car. Fortunately, Johnson decided not to be evil and simply settled for a drive-by along the track until he drove to Victory Lane.
via Getty
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 07: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Big Machine Vodka 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, it was a mixed day in the office for Hendrick Motorsports, with Dale Earnhardt Jr in 5th place. Additionally, Kasey Kahne finished 9th, while Jeff Gordon finished 13th. Now, nine years later, Kyle Larson won the All-Star race, with Brad Keselowski finishing 2nd yet again.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This is the third time that Keselowski has missed out on winning the All-Star race. Furthermore, this is Larson’s 2nd All-Star win in his career. At least Keselowski can take comfort in the fact that points do not count in this particular race. However, the other side of the argument is that he has missed out on a huge cash prize.
