Johnson crashes out of title chase

Johnson had been falling back through the field after feeling one of his tyres going down on the number 48 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and he was just about to be lapped by teammate and race leader Jeff Gordon when his tyre exploded, and he crashed into the wall.

The Californian pulled his car back into the garage, and work is currently being carried out to repair the damage. However, because he went into the race 52 points behind championship leader Tony Stewart, Johnson is now out of contention for the title.

Johnson said: "I knew that I had a problem but I didn't feel I had a flat. But then the right-rear tyre exploded on the backstretch. I didn't feel like I had a soft tyre.

"We're out of this deal. I feel terrible, but I'm proud of the team, and this stuff happens. I tried to get to a caution but it didn't happen. We did everything we could through the whole season. We will be back next year."

Stewart currently runs in ninth position, which would presently be enough to secure him his second championship. Moreover, with Johnson out, Stewart will only need to finish the race 20th or higher to clinch the crown.