Jimmie Johnson crashes at Phoenix, ending his chase for record eighth NASCAR title

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Jimmie Johnson’s quest for a record eighth Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championship will continue for another year.

Johnson parked his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet with a blown tire 150 laps into Sunday’s Can-Am 500 at Phoenix Raceway, ending any chance he had at advancing to the final four in next weekend’s championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

A blown right rear tire sent Johnson into the outside wall.

“I hate it for this team," Johnson said after driving his car to the garage. "They've worked so hard all year long. I know it's not the results that we want.

"Unfortunately, we won't have a chance to make eight this year — disappointed for sure. The last few months we’ve been staying alive and at this stage with the round of eight and the Round of four, you can’t just stay alive.

Johnson said he had no warning that the tire was about to blow. “I just went into the corner and touched the brakes and the right rear went,” he said.

Johnson virtually needed a win Sunday to advance to the Homestead playoffs.

PHOTOS: JIMMIE JOHNSON THROUGH THE YEARS