INDIANAPOLIS - Jimmie Johnson’s bid for a record-tying fifth Brickyard 400 will have to begin at the back of the 40-car field.
Johnson qualified fourth Saturday but stated on Twitter that he’ll have to go to the rear of the field because they had to change the rear gear.
Although track position is pivotal at Indianapolis Motor Speedway because passing is difficult, optimists can view Johnson’s woes as a good sign. He has scored two of his three wins this season - Texas and Dover - after starting in the rear.
Also starting at the rear today is Cole Whitt (rear gear change) and Joey Gase (engine change). Whitt qualified 34th. Gase qualified 38th.
Today’s race is on NBC. Coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET with Countdown to Green.
Well... we will have an awesome pit pick this week and next but... heading to the back. We found a problem with the rear gear. 😡
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) July 23, 2017