In the end, Jimmie Johnson simply would not be denied, as he and the MOOG chassis parts-equipped No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet outran their two closest competitors to win a record fifth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in Sunday’s Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Raceway.
Johnson’s latest championship, clinched through his runner-up finish in Sunday’s race, extends the MOOG brand’s unprecedented streak of Cup titles to 45 years. MOOG steering and suspension components are manufactured by global automotive supplier Federal-Mogul Corporation.
“There were millions of fans on the edge of their seats when the race started, but we were confident all along that Jimmie, the Hendrick Motorsports team and MOOG chassis parts would come out on top,” said Federal-Mogul Motorsports Director Tim Nelson. “Jimmie needed a clean race and world-class handling, and we’re proud that MOOG components once again helped him get it done.”
Johnson joins just two other drivers – Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt, both of whom also relied on MOOG parts – who have won five or more Cup championships. Johnson was 15 points out of the lead heading into Sunday’s race, but the No. 48 ran hard and fast to stay near the front all day. He ends his ninth Cup season with two poles, six wins, 17 top-fives and 23 top-10s.
“The No. 48 team is unbelievably consistent,” Nelson said. “Hendrick Motorsports demands absolute excellence in every area of their operation, including the manufacturers whose parts help steer their cars to victory. We welcome that challenge, as we have for 45 straight years of Cup championships.”
In addition to its role in helping to secure Johnson’s latest title, the MOOG brand captured more wins (25) and led more laps and overall miles than any other competitor in 2010. In addition, MOOG-equipped cars swept the top five 14 times and the top three 19 times.
