Jarit Johnson Post Top Ten in Dover Debut

Completes Rookie Season as Team Owner/Driver in NASCAR Camping World East Series Monday September 28, 2009 Dover, DE – The 2009 NASCAR Camping World East Series finale concluded on Friday at Dover International Speedway – ‘The Monster Mile’ in Dover, Delaware. Driver-Owner Jarit Johnson started 20th and piloted the no.74 Jimmie Johnson Foundation/Karl Chevrolet to a 10th place finish for the Sunoco 150. It was Johnson’s first ever time around the track. Johnson has only competed in a partial schedule this year, but will still finish un-officially 17th in the Championship Points. Early in the race Johnson quickly began gaining positions. He fought his way up through the field and by lap 85 was well inside the top ten. Johnson was posted in 6th position when a caution flag came out on lap 85 of the 150 lap race. Upon the restart on lap 89 contact with another car sent Johnson to pit road with heavy right front damage. It appeared the day had ended early for the team. But the crew hammered away and impressively got Johnson back on track with limited loss of laps. Johnson maintained a fast pace despite the damage and finished the race to end his rookie season in the NASCAR Camping World East Series with a top ten. “We had a top five car today, but unfortunately were involved in an incident that set us back,” said Johnson. “Overall, I’m happy to still have pulled off a top ten finish.” “I’m really proud of all the guys who’ve helped me this year and the sponsors that have kept us going,” added Johnson. “It hasn’t been the easiest of years, but we have improved and we kept this team going. We are racing with so little resources, but still are showing up and contending in each race. That is a rewarding feeling. I hope I can come out and race more next year.” In addition to the Camping World East Series race, Johnson was called on to qualify SK Motorsports entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Dover. The #07 had to get into the race on qualifying time as the car number did not have a point’s provisional. Johnson qualified the car 22nd and posted a 33rd place finish after only running 35 laps due to an ignition issue.