Jimmie Johnson makes championship statement with Phoenix win

Avondale, AZ (BookMaker Sportsbook) Just one week after suffering a season worst 38th place finish, Jimmie Johnson rebounded in his quest for an unparalleled fourth straight Sprint Cup Series championship with a very convincing victory in Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway.

Jimmie Johnson led 238 of 312 laps for his fourth win in the last five races at Phoenix International, including the last three fall events. Jimmie Johnson also recorded his Sprint Cup Series-leading seventh win of the season.

With this victory, Jimmie Johnson padded his lead to 108 points over Mark Martin, who finished fourth.

If Jimmie Johnson finishes 25th or better next week at Miami , he'll win the title, regardless of Martin's performance.

Jeff Burton finished a season-best second, while Denny Hamlin took the third spot. Martin Truex Jr., the pole sitter, completed the top-five.

Jeff Gordon now trails Johnson by 169 points after finishing ninth. Gordon will be eliminated from title contention when Johnson simply starts at Homestead.

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