Four-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson and the MOOG chassis parts-equipped #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet recovered from an early accident to increase their 2010 Chase points lead with a third-place finish in Saturday’s Bank of America 500 at Charlotte (NC) Motor Speedway. Following the race, Johnson’s crew chief, Chad Knaus, was presented Federal-Mogul Corporation’s MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Award.
Race winner Jamie McMurray (#1 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Chevrolet) also relied on MOOG chassis parts, continuing the brand’s dominance of the season-ending Chase series.
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 and the #48 Chevrolet improved by a race-high 0.297-second per lap in the second half of Saturday’s race.
Johnson, who now leads the Chase by 41 points, nearly saw his hopes for a fifth straight championship vanish during a spin-out on lap 34. The #48 Chevrolet escaped from the incident unscathed and Johnson was able to quickly regain dozens of positions through a combination of hard driving and a smart pit strategy. He was back in the top five by lap 132 and ran strong over the remaining 202 trips around Charlotte’s challenging 1.5-mile quad oval.
“You can never count Jimmie and Chad out of a race until you see their car leave the track,” said Federal-Mogul Motorsports Director Tim Nelson. “They worked together flawlessly to manage the problem and get the #48 car back into contention. We’re thrilled that MOOG components helped them steer back into the top five.”
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, 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.