DAYTONA BEACH — Driver Jimmie Johnson’s pursuit of the perfect ending instead became of a passing of the torch to a young teammate.
William Byron’s inaugural NASCAR Cup Series win during Saturday night’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 signaled both the beginning of big things to come for the 22-year-old and the end of an era for the 44-year-old Johnson.
The two Hendrick Motorsports drivers entered the regular season finale at Daytona International Speedway needing a high finish to qualify for the 10-race playoff. Much of the night, Johnson stayed a step ahead of Byron and former crew chief Chad Knaus.