ON A MISSION; Jimmie Johnson takes Darlington.

Byline: AL PEARCE Jimmie Johnson didn't take long to learn what many NASCAR racers have known for years: Darlington Raceway is mean and demanding, and doesn't go gently into the good night. Which is exactly why he included a win there among his career goals. Mission accomplished. Johnson drove flawlessly and got stunning service to beat Bobby Labonte by a car-length.

Labonte was home free until a late yellow for Kyle Petty's blown engine changed everything. At the time, Johnson was well behind Labonte and Kurt Busch, and you won't find anyone who thinks he could have run them ...

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