Jimmie Johnson wins the California Race

by Bruce Simmons

During the daytime part of the race, Jimmie Johnson didn't look like a contender, but once the sun set, and the track cooled, the after burners kicked in and Jimmie came to the front and let the field know that night time was his time.

Jimmie Johnson won the Sharp Aquos 500 at California Speedway Sunday night. He was followed by Carl Edwards who made a late race charge, but not a strong enough charge to threaten Jimmie. They were followed by Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton & Dale Earnhardt Jr to fill out the top 5 finishers.

There were 16 race leaders & 11 cautions. One caution saw Michael Waltrip's 55 car lose the left front tire after some fender rub and when the tire blew, it caused a massive fire in the car and Michael seemed really slow to get out of the car. (Another scary crash moment at CA!)

Later on in the race, a multi car wreck that Jeff Gordon instigated saw Ricky Rudd slap the left side of his car into the outside wall in the front stretch and he got into the ambulance holding his left arm. He was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital. (So much for Rudd's 900th start!)

UPDATE: Ricky Rudd ended up with a separated left shoulder. foxsports.com

See scenedaily.com for the unofficial finishing order.