Jimmie Johnson wins the latest Nextel race

Hampton, Ga. -- Jimmie Johnson won Sunday’s Nextel Cup Pep Boys 500 auto race at Hampton, Ga.

His No.48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet crossed the finish line ahead of Carl Edwards as a caution flag during a green-white checker finish ended the race.

It was Johnson’s eighth victory this season, and 31st of his Nextel Cup career.

He survived the wild finish, which happened when Dale Earnhardt Jr. lost a wheel, and slammed into Jamie McMurray.

A checkered flag resulted and ended the race.

Reed Sorenson, Matt Kenseth and Jeff Burton completed the top-five.

“We had like a fifth place car all day,” Johnson said. “The caution worked in our favor (and) I have to thank everyone in the race shop for giving us great race cars. Now we are within striking distance.”

With his victory, Johnson moved within nine points of teammate Jeff Gordon for the lead in the “Chase for the Nextel Cup.”

Gordon finished seventh.

© 2007 United Press International.