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Johnson crashes in Michigan practice

Jimmie Johnson watches his crew work on his car Saturday. (Associated Press)
Ap
Jimmie Johnson watches his crew work on his car Saturday. (Associated Press)

Another Michigan mishap for Jimmie Johnson.

The five-time Sprint Cup champion crashed nose first into a wall in his No. 48 Chevrolet during a practice session Saturday in Brooklyn, Mich. Johnson was evaluated and released from the infield care center, but the accident forced his team to prepare a backup car – and now he faces quite a challenge trying to win a Cup race at Michigan International Speedway for the first time.

“I’m a little puzzled as to why I spun out going in because I’ve had great entry stability – even on that run I had great entry stability,” Johnson said. “To me it felt like I lost downforce just from the traffic scenario. I’m not really sure – either way we have a torn-up car.”

Johnson qualified third Friday, but he’ll have to start from the rear now with the backup car.

Johnson is one driver who could afford a problem like this. He’s won four times this season, leads the standings by a whopping 75 points and has already wrapped up a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

But Johnson is plenty motivated this weekend. MIS is one of only five tracks on the Cup schedule where he has never won. He’s 0 for 23 in Cup races in the track.

Allmendinger wins

AJ Allmendinger led 73 of the 94 laps and survived a late challenge after a restart to win the inaugural Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

Pole-winner Michael McDowell was second, with native Ohioan Sam Hornish Jr. third, Max Papis fourth and Brian Vickers fifth.

Buescher hangs on

Defending champion James Buescher raced to his first NASCAR Trucks Series victory of the season, passing Kyle Busch to take the lead with three laps remaining at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich.

When Buescher crossed the finish in his No. 31 Chevrolet, he was a half-second ahead of Busch, who barely held off Ty Dillon.

Pit stops

Spain’s Marc Marquez became the first MotoGP rider to break the 1-minute, 38-second barrier at the Indianapolis Grand Prix, winning the pole for today’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. … Ryan Villopoto wrapped up his second Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season title in three years, sweeping the 450 Class motos in the Utah National at Tooele, Utah. Villopoto, the Monster Energy Kawasaki star from Poulsbo, Wash., has seven victories this year.