It was looking pretty good for Jimmie Johnson about this time a year ago.
Johnson was sitting fifth in the Chase points standings after strong runs at Chicagoland (11th) and New Hampshire (6th). Next on the Chase schedule was Dover, the first elimination race of the postseason.
No sweat for Johnson. Being a 10-time winner at the track (twice what Jeff Gordon has) where he has the most career wins, has led the most laps, has the second most career top fives and the second most career top 10s, Johnson would have thought he could have penciled his name right into the next round of the Chase.