Irwindale, CA., Aug. 14 – Justin Johnson celebrated his 25th birthday on Monday, but before he unwrapped any gifts he collected two nice feature win trophies from Toyota Speedway at Irwindale as he swept both of Saturday night’s twin 40 lap NASCAR Pepsi Super Late Model features.

The Vision Airlines driver pushed his Ford Fusion to the sweep against 24 car field. The wins were his eighth and ninth in 16 events at Irwindale this season. If you factor in Johnsons teammate Dusty Davis, the Vision Air team now has won 12 of the 16 features for a .750 batting average at the California track!

The 1st Pepsi Super Late Model feature got off to a rough start when it took several minutes just to complete the first lap. After three collisions, a pair of double-file restarts and finally a single-file restart, the race finally got going. The rest of the race was at a quicker pace and included plenty of side by side action and passing. VAR driver Justin Johnson started fourth and quickly pulled to the rear bumper of leader Andy Allen. After chasing Allen for the first 30 laps Johnson moved inside for the lead. For the next 5 laps Johnson and Allen swapped the lead until Johnson made a very calculated move with a set up – look on the high side and a pass a lap later down low. Allen got loose the next lap and spun bringing out a yellow. Johnson won by quarter second over a quickly closing Ryan Partridge, Jason Patison, and Toyota All-Star Showdown sensation Sergio Pena.

In the second Super Late Model 40 lapper Johnson and Pena shared the front row in a five-car inverted start. Johnson led early in the outside groove until Andy Allen passed Johnson on the inside on lap 4. Johnson and Allen battled until lap 10 when Johnson got the lead all to himself. Justin clicked off steady laps as he had opened up a healthy lead until his VAR Ford Fusion developed a vibration under braking at the turn entry. Johnson said he had plenty of room so he backed his pace down a little to save the car. When Johnson backed down his pace it made the finish a little tighter allowing King to cut the lead to ten yards at the flag. Johnson’s VAR Teammate Dusty Davis came home forth in his backup ride.

In Victory Circle Justin thanked team owner Steve Acor and crew chief Chuck Wahl. “My Vision Airlines Ford Fusion was good in the first race and even better in the second race. When I got out front, I would cruise and when they catch up I go again,” he said. He also said his goal is the first championship for the Las Vegas-based Vision Aviation team and with only four races remaining in the 20-race season. Johnson has increased his point lead from 48 to a healthy 64 points over VAR teammate Dusty Davis.

At this point it looks like a two horse, race and the 2 horses are black with Vision Airlines on the quarter panels…