JIMMIE JOHNSON WINS SEVENTH SPRINT CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

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Source: NASCAR.com

Cover photo:  Creative Commons under Nascarking (Wikipedia).  Newsflasher photo:  Creative Commons under Flickr upload bot

November 20, 2016 (Miami) - Jimmie Johnson today won his seventh Sprint Cup championship and his first in three years at the Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Miami.  The 41-year-old and El Cajon native is now tied with Dale Earnardt and Richard Petty as a seven-time premiere series champion.

Johnson is also now the youngest seven-time winner; Petty was 42 when he won in 1979 and Earnhardt was 43 in 1994. 

"This is beyond exciting," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "I'm so proud of him."

This has been a tough season for Johnson.  He experienced the longest winless streak of his career (25 starts).

"Records are a mark and they set something for everyone to shoot at," Petty said. "Jimmie and his team have done that tonight. They set a goal to get where they are and circumstances and fate made it a reality. They did what they needed to do and now they are at seven championships. Congratulations to him and his team.

"Jimmie is a great champion and this is really good for our sport."


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