Brian Vickers Outlasts Johnson In Fuel Mileage Duel, Wins Sprint Cup Race At Michigan

Brian Vickers outlasted Jimmie Johnson in yet another fuel-mileage duel at Michigan International Speedway, taking the lead with two laps to go after Johnson ran out of gas and holding on for his first Sprint Cup victory of the season Sunday.

AP
Published: August 17, 2009

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BROOKLYN, Mich. (AP) - Brian Vickers outlasted Jimmie Johnson in yet another fuel-mileage duel at Michigan International Speedway, taking the lead with two laps to go after Johnson ran out of gas and holding on for his first Sprint Cup victory of the season Sunday.

It was the second time in two races at Michigan this season that Johnson’s crew gambled on gas and lost. Johnson also was in the lead when he ran out of fuel back in June, handing a win to Mark Martin.

Jeff Gordon finished second, followed by Dale Earnhardt Junior, Carl Edwards and Sam Hornish Junior. Series points leader Tony Stewart, who clinched his spot in the chase by starting Sunday’s race, finished 17th.

Crew chief Ryan Pemberton pleaded with Vickers to be gentle with the throttle and save gas in the closing laps—and the driver delivered.