Jimmie Johnson saves fuel, wins

PHOENIX, April 13 (UPI) -- Jimmie Johnson took advantage of fuel problems affecting other cars Saturday to win the Subway Fresh Fit 500 Sprint Cup race at Phoenix.

Johnson, the two-time defending series champion, won his first race of the season and the 34th of his career. He finished seven seconds in front of Clint Bowyer after most of the front-runners had to make quick pit stops to take on just enough fuel to get them through the final laps.

Veteran Mark Martin had the lead when the pit stops began, but Johnson was able to stay on the track and cover the final 81 laps without refueling.

Denny Hamlin finished third, followed by Carl Edwards and Martin, who won at the Phoenix International Raceway 15 years ago.