Gamble helps Johnson to first victory of season

By Reid Spencer, Sporting News Wire Service
April 14, 2008
03:14 PM EDT

Chad Knaus told Jimmie Johnson to save fuel in the final seven laps of Saturday night's race and he nursed the No. 48 Chevrolet across the finish line for a win.

The victory returned Hendrick Motorsports to Victory Lane.

Knaus instructed Johnson on Lap 304 to "Pit this time."

After a brief discussion, they changed their strategy. "Back up your pace half a second a lap," Knaus radioed to his driver. "Screw it. We'll go for it."

Knaus spent the remainder of the race slowing Johnson down.

"Put it in neutral!" Knaus ordered as Johnson rolled through the final two corners.

"I'm good," Johnson answered. "I've got good fuel pressure."

As he approached the finish line, Johnson screamed, "We're going to win this."

Johnson led 120 of the 312 laps.

Johnson had enough fuel left for a celebratory burnout, but he ran out of gas on the backstretch during his victory lap.