Greg Biffle Wins, Takes Sprint Cup Points Lead After Jimmie Johnson’s Engine Fails

Jimmie Johnson surged from the back of the pack to take the lead on lap 191 of 2001 on Sunday afternoon only to watch his No. 48 Chevrolet’s engine fail, allowing Sprint Cup contender Greg Biffle to claim the victory.

After the race, Biffle, who now owns the Sprint Cup points lead, said:

“I got it turned around and was catching him, and then his engine failed. It was going to be a great race, no matter what. I felt like I could catch him, but we’ll never know. Passing him might have been a different story.”

Biffle than added:

“I know that a lot of people don’t expect us to win the championship, and don’t expect us to compete for the title. I don’t care what they say or who they want to talk about, but we will be a factor when it comes down to Homestead. I promise you that.”

After Johnson left the race, a caution was issued for oil on the track, and, ultimately, Greg Biffle held off Keselowski by 0.416 seconds for the green-white-checkered flag.

Johnson, who finished in 27th, dropped from first to fourth in the Sprint Cup points lead while Matt Kenseth moved into second after a 17th place finish. Finishing in third place was Kasey Kahne followed by Earnhardt Jr. and Marcos Ambrose. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was racing with his backup car after suffering a mishap during Saturday practice.

After winning the race, Roush Fenway Racing celebrated a new record at MIS: 12 victories. The team originally held the win record with the Wood Brothers.

While Jimmie Johnson left before speaking with reporters, he later tweeted:

Thanks everyone, today was a tough one. We blew up & I’m disappointed, not much else to say. Now it’s on to Bristol.

— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 19, 2012

Johnson would have been the first driver to reach four victors during the 2012 season.