Johnson hits jackpot in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS – With a $30,000 bonus tucked inside his pocket, Jimmie Johnson headed to the casino to celebrate his latest victory.

If he can run the tables the same way he’s running the Nextel Cup series, he might just break the bank.

Johnson ended the Roush Racing stranglehold at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, spoiling what could have been a banner day for hometown boys Kurt and Kyle Busch by beating them both to win the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400.

Johnson, who won for the 15th time in his career, has victories in five of the last nine races, dating to last season. He hasn’t finished worse than sixth since October, and his first win this year put him right back where he spent most of last season – leading the points race.

“I can have a little fun at the blackjack table tonight,” Johnson said of the bonus that comes with earning the points lead. “But I’m not concerned about the points lead yet.”

Johnson won a series-high eight races last season, only to fall eight points shy of winning the title.

This latest victory helped Hendrick Motorsports claim a piece of the track in the desert that Roush Racing has dominated with five victories in the first seven races.

But with Johnson and Hendrick teammates Kyle Busch finishing second and Jeff Gordon fourth, the Roush dominance is over. Kurt Busch carried the Roush flag with a third-place finish.

After the race, NASCAR said the roof of Johnson’s Chevrolet was too low and Kyle Busch, who finished second, had a car that came in too high on the rear quarter panel.

NASCAR did not announce immediate penalties, but could dock points from both drivers next week. If Johnson loses any points, Kurt Busch would take over the points lead.