Johnson team's 'golden' call turns to bronze as car gets too tight

JIM UTTER / The Charlotte Observer

Sunday, May. 13, 2007

DARLINGTON, S.C. - Jimmie Johnson thought he was in good position.

There were nearly 20 laps remaining in Sunday’s race at Darlington. He had - and most of the lead-lap cars - had fresh tires. But race leader Jeff Gordon did not.

“I thought we were golden,” said Johnson, who won last weekend’s race at Richmond, Va.

“The first restart I think I got two or three positions ... and I thought I was in great position.

“Then, I couldn’t get through lapped traffic that fast. We were just too far behind at that point and, plus, the last of the tires didn’t work out for us. We were too tight.”

Johnson ended up third, as Gordon was able to hold off a charge from Johnson and Denny Hamlin, another driver who took new tires.

“Put up a good fight (but) I’m disappointed to come in third, especially leading with 20 (laps) to go, not being able to bring home the victory,” Johnson said.

"I am very happy for Jeff (Gordon) and Hendrick Motorsports. I think today was a good example of the fight that Hendrick Motorsports has.”

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