THE BEATDOWN CONTINUES; Jimmie Johnson gets his first Brickyard win and pads his NEXTEL cup points lead.(Motorsports)

Byline: AL PEARCE Maybe crew chief Chad Knaus had the best explanation for what happened at the Brick-yard 400: "There was some magic out there today. I honestly can't tell you where it came from, but for sure we'll figure it out when we get back home.'' Magic? Maybe. More than likely, it was simply a matter of the best team in stock car racing doing what it does best: overcoming obstacles to win a major race against all odds.

A flat left-front tire under green? No problem. Restarting last on a track where passing is difficult at best? No problem. Mired eighth on a restart ...

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