With Bosch spark plugs and a Bosch alternator in his Chevrolet RO7 engine never missing a beat, Jimmie Johnson joined select company in automotive supplier Bosch’s long winning tradition in Motorsports, as he became the first driver to win four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championships.
At Indy, where Bosch helped launch the original American classic Indy 500, Helio Castroneves s won the 93rd IndyCar classic on Bosch spark plugs. This brought Bosch its 22nd Indy 500 victory in the past 23 races, team owner Roger Penske his 15th Indy 500 win, and Castroneves his third victory.
Bosch spark plugs and magneto powered the winning Marmon Wasp in the very first Indy 500 in 1911.
“This continues Bosch’s centuries-old tradition of powering the world leaders in automotive racing,” said Wolfgang Hustedt, Manager of Motorsports for Bosch in North America. ” Bosch spark plugs and magneto powered the winning Mercedes in the very first international auto race in 1903 as well as, the winner in the first Indy 500, and Bosch spark plugs, alternators and other components and systems have been in the forefront of major auto racing ever since.”
“Motorsports has been a very important part of Bosch culture since the very early days of the automobile,” he added.
Johnson and Hendrick Share Multiple Victories
Driving his Bosch-equipped Lowe’s Chevrolet Impala SS for Hendrick Motorsports, Johnson set the all-time record of four-straight titles over 61 years of American stock car racing. Needing to finish 25th or better in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Homestead season finale, the 34-year-old Johnson took fifth – and his fourth straight championship. Johnson won all four Cup crowns running on Bosch spark plugs and a Bosch alternator exclusively for Hendrick Motorsports, which became the first NASCAR team to finish one, two and three in final season points.
Veteran driver Mark Martin, 50, took second overall in the ’09 season while his Hendrick teammate and four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon, rounded out the sweep for Hendrick and Bosch by taking third in Cup points. The top-three Hendrick drivers combined for 13 victories during the 36-race NASCAR Sprint Cup season that saw Bosch set a new mark with 30 straight wins.
For more information on Bosch Automotive Products, visit www.boschautoparts.com.
For more information on Bosch Diagnostic and Wheel Service Equipment, visit www.boschdiagnostics.com.