Jimmie Johnson Finally Figuring out IndyCar Ovals, Finishes Fifth at Iowa Speedway

For the first time in his IndyCar career, Jimmie Johnson’s name could be said in the same sentence as the top-five finishers.

Johnson finished 11th Saturday in the first leg of the the NTT IndyCar Series doubleheader weekend at Iowa Speedway, but roared back to finish an IndyCar career-best fifth in the Hy-Vee Salute to Farmers 300 on Sunday, one position behind Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon.

“This is a really special day for me and everybody that’s been on this journey with me in the IndyCar Series,” Johnson said.

Johnson, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has now earned his two best finishes in IndyCar this season on ovals, having finished a previous best sixth earlier this year at Texas Motor Speedway.

“It took me getting on the ovals to get my best finishes and I’m so glad I was able to do that today,” Johnson said. “It was just such a fun day. Today I had it in me. I raced everybody clean and hard and just had an awesome day.”

In addition to finishing right behind Dixon, Johnson bested his two other teammates, Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson, who finished sixth, while defending series champion Alex Palou was 13th (after finishing sixth on Saturday).

Johnson is 20th in the IndyCar season points standings. Ericsson leads with 403 points. Will Power is second with 295.