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NASCAR: Five Predictions For The Auto Club 400 At Fontana

By Michael Guadalupe

Mar 20, 2016; Fontana, CA, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) races during the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Fontana, CA, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) races during the Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Can Jimmie Johnson overcome starting the race from the back? Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Can Jimmie Johnson overcome starting the race from the back? Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Jimmie Johnson Starts From the Back But Ends up In Front

Seven time champion Jimmie Johnson has had a rough start to his weekend at Fontana. He spun out during the first round of practice and wrecked his car on Friday and as a result, the 48 team decided not to attempt qualifying later on in the day.

Chad Knaus, crew chief of the 48 car, explained why they made the decision not to qualify:

"“We crashed on our third run and had to pull out the backup car and didn’t get back out on the track. I just felt it was wiser to get the car prepared correctly rather than qualify poorly. I wasn’t comfortable putting Jimmie in a position where he would have to hustle a car that he hasn’t turned a lap in yet.” h/t Fox Sports"

Now Johnson will be starting the Auto Club 400 from the 39th position. It’s a rough spot for anyone to be in but just because he’s starting in the back and in a backup car doesn’t mean we won’t see Johnson run up in the top 10 for at least one part of the race on Sunday.

With six wins at this track and an average finish of 9.9, Johnson is one of the best active drivers when it comes to racing on this track.

And with the addition of stages this year, there is more of an opportunity for Johnson to move to the front. He can spend the first stage, 60 laps, getting used to the back up car. As the race continues the 48 team can choose to keep him out when the second or last stage starts to help him gain position.

Add in any cautions that might be brought out by accidents or debris, and the chances of Johnson moving to the front only increase.

The hardest parts for the 48 team on Sunday will be getting their driver used to the backup car and making sure they are flawless on pit road. If they can take care of those two things, expect to see Johnson competing up front by the time the race is coming to an end.

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