Can Jimmie Johnson Break his Winless Streak this Weekend at Dover?

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Jimmie Johnson is hoping his familiarity with the Dover International Speedway will help him break a long and frustrating winless streak. The 44-year-old hasn’t won a Cup Series Race since 2017 when he captured the AAA 400 Drive For Autism at Dover. It was his 11th career victory at the Delaware racetrack, the most of any driver.

Jimmie Johnson Dover
Jimmie Johnson has won 11 times at Dover International Speedway and would like to break a winless streak that goes back to 2017 this weekend at the Drydene 311. (Image: AP)

This is Johnson’s last full year in NASCAR. He announced his retirement last year, telling reporters this week it would be nice to get a victory at one of his favorite layouts. Johnson has two chances to find Victory Lane since the facility is hosting races on both Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s been a great for me over the years,” Johnson said. “When I think back to my first time driving at the track was in the ASA Series. I loved the track when I came here and still today, it’s one of the tracks that really challenges the drivers in a lot of ways.”

Johnson’s a Longshot

Oddsmakers don’t have the same feeling Johnson does. His odds of winning are anywhere from 16/1 to 30/1, depending on the sportsbook booking the action. Kevin Harvick is the favorite to win at 11/4.

Long odds haven’t dampened Johnson’s enthusiasm about competing at Dover, however.

“Maybe I’m a fool, but just every time I come here, I feel like this,” Johnson said. “This is just one of those places that an athlete finds a bond with a facility or a venue that they connect with. I don’t care if I have only three wheels on that thing, I still feel like I would have a shot to win.”

Johnson’s Odds to Win Drydene 311

  • Westgate: 30/1
  • William Hill: 25/1
  • Ladbrokes: 22/1
  • FoxBet: 22/1
  • BetMGM: 25/1
  • DraftKings: 20/1
  • Coral: 22/1
  • BetOnline: 20/1
  • Bovada: 16/1

Since his last victory in 2017, Johnson has returned to Dover five times. He’s finished third, ninth, 36th, 14th, and eighth.

“It’s my favorite track,” Johnson said. “Ally and Hendrick Motorsports are doing amazing things together. To go [to Dover] and hopefully win the race and experience the ultimate of highs would be really special.”

Reflecting on a Long, Strong Career

Even if Johnson doesn’t win at Dover, and goes the rest of the NASCAR season without a victory, he has no regrets. He said he’s had a great career, and that he has no plans on changing his decision to retire.

“For me in my final year in a Cup car, I know where I am and I’m very content and fulfilled with the career I’ve had,” Johnson said. “There have been so many other issues at-hand to think about and be concerned with, that I haven’t thought much at all about it being my final year and what I might be missing for myself.”

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