Jimmie Johnson appeared to have a cut tire with three laps to go in the Brickyard 400. The tire continued to smoke, but Johnson was able to stay with the leaders.
Until Lap 159, that is -- and it ultimately proved to be an engine issue, not a tire problem
The engine gave way on Johnson’s car, he spun out and slammed into the outside retaining wall, adding him to a long list of drivers who failed to finish the Brickyard 400.
“It was definitely engine smoke, I could smell that, but I wasn’t sure where it was from,” Johnson said. “I had decent grip through 1 and 2, went into Turn 3 and had a shot to win the Brickyard 400 for the fifth time and was hoping we’d make it through Turns 3 and 4.
“I got real loose and don’t know if I spun in my own oil or it was an aero situation, but so close to getting a fifth win here at the Brickyard.”
Because of Johnson’s wreck, the race went into overtime -- and then there was another big wreck on the restart on Lap 162.
Check out the video above.
I wasn't blowing up, we had an oil leak. On top of that, you don't understand my desire to win. https://t.co/6C8G3Dcd7J
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 24, 2017
I'm not sure. I thought oil at first but after seeing the replay it could've been aero. Maybe both! https://t.co/3DZ3VhxUcW
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 24, 2017