CONCORD, N.C., May 30 (UPI) -- Jammie Johnson led virtually from start to finish Sunday night at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 to clinch his eighth career victory.
Unlike last year, when he started 37th, Johnson had little trouble Sunday. He became the first repeat winner here since Jeff Gordon accomplished the feat in 1997-98.
Johnson's Chevrolet led 334 laps or 501 of the 600 miles. He took over from Jamie McMurray on lap 383 and cruised to victory in the longest race of the NASCAR season.
Michael Waltrip finished second with Matt Kenseth third and McMurray fourth. McMurray has seven top-10 finishes this year.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished sixth and ran his series-leading points total to 1,798. Johnson closed to within five points of the lead with Matt Kenseth 116 points behind Earnhardt.
