Four-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and the MOOG chassis parts-equipped #48 Lowe’s/Johns Manville Chevrolet moved into the 2010 Chase points lead with an impressive runner-up finish in Sunday’s Price Chopper 400 at Kansas Speedway.
Following the race, Johnson’s crew chief, Chad Knaus, received Federal-Mogul Corporation’s MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Award. The MOOG Problem Solver award is presented to the crew chief whose car posts the largest increase in average lap speed during the second half of each Sprint Cup event while finishing on the lead lap. Johnson picked up a race-best 0.275-second per lap after Knaus and crew made a series of mid-race adjustments to the #48 car’s chassis.
Johnson, mired in 21st at the start and faced with a variety of early-race challenges, eventually passed everyone but race winner Greg Biffle, whose MOOG-equipped #16 Sherwin Williams/3M Ford dominated the final 100 laps. With Biffle’s victory, the MOOG brand remains unbeaten through three Chase events.
“Jimmie just took off after his second pit stop, and then the car kept getting better every time Chad and his team could get their hands on it,” said Federal-Mogul Motorsports Director Tim Nelson. “They struggled in qualifying and lost some spots during the first 50 laps, but the race was on after Chad made some brilliant adjustments.”
As strong as Johnson’s car was over the final 200 laps, Biffle’s #16 Ford was even better, as seen by its 7.6-second margin of victory. Biffle was running third when crew chief Greg Erwin called for a wedge adjustment on lap 187. Within 30 laps Biffle had established an almost insurmountable lead.
The Chase will continue next week with the Pepsi Max 400 at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, Calif., where Johnson won earlier this year.
MOOG steering and suspension components are the leading choice of crew chiefs and automotive repair professionals. The unique benefits of MOOG components and other Federal-Mogul products are highlighted in the company’s innovative "Smart Choice" campaign, which reinforces the message that longer lasting, better performing replacement parts are today’s best option for technicians and consumers.
For additional information regarding MOOG chassis parts, please visit the brand’s technician-focused www.moogproblemsolver.com website or contact your MOOG supplier. To learn more about the Federal-Mogul “Smart Choice” campaign, simply visit www.FMSmartChoice.com.
About Federal-Mogul
Federal-Mogul Corporation is a leading global supplier of powertrain, chassis and safety technologies, serving the world’s foremost original equipment manufacturers of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty, agricultural, marine, rail, off-road and industrial vehicles, as well as the worldwide aftermarket. The company’s leading technology and innovation, lean manufacturing expertise, as well as marketing and distribution deliver world-class products, brands and services with quality excellence at a competitive cost. Federal-Mogul is focused on its sustainable global profitable growth strategy, creating value and satisfaction for its customers, shareholders and employees. Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899. The company is headquartered in Southfield, MI, and employs 43,000 people in 34 countries. Visit the company’s website at www.federalmogul.com.
Federal-Mogul’s aftermarket products are sold under a variety of brands, including but not limited to, AE engine products, ANCO wipers, Champion spark plugs and wipers, Fel-Pro gaskets, Ferodo brake pads, Glyco bearings, Goetze piston rings, MOOG chassis products, National wheel-end components, Nüral pistons, Payen gaskets, Sealed Power engine products and Wagner brake and lighting products. Visit the company’s website at www.federalmogul.com.
