Jimmie Johnson was finally relevant on Sunday.
The seven-time Cup champion started 33rd in the Auto Club 400, but was able to do two things he hadn’t done through the first four races of the season.
He earned his first stage points of the year, finishing fifth in Stage 1 and seventh in Stage 2.
A six-time winner at Auto Club Speedway, Johnson also earned his first top 10 of the season. His ninth-place finish snapped a career-worst streak without a top 10 at 10 races.
His last top 10 was October at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Johnson’s career-worst streak of races without a win now stands at 28.
“Each week we have been getting a little bit better,” Johnson said. “We are definitely not happy with where we are right now, but we are seeing the improvements, we have been seeing it internally. We are making the cars drive better and better and we are getting more competitive. So, a strong day for the Lowe’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. We are not where we want to be but we are getting closer every week.”
Johnson and his three Hendrick Motorsports teammates had to overcome starting from the rear Sunday.
All four cars were among 13 that failed to get through qualifying inspection on Friday, preventing them from making a qualifying attempt.
Chase Elliott finished 16th, his worst result this year not related to a DNF for a crash.
Alex Bowman finished 13th, tying his best result of the season.
William Byron placed 15th.
Bowman and Byron remain without top-10 finishes this season.