Johnson wins for 7th time at Martinsville Speedway, passes Keselowski for points lead

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Dale Earnhardt Jr., left, acknowledges fans as he rides with Brian Vickers during driver introductions before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Martinsville Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, in Martinsville, Va. (AP Photo/Don Petersen)

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Jimmie Johnson held off Kyle Busch on a restart with five laps to go Sunday and won for the seventh time in his career at Martinsville Speedway.

The five-time series champion moved into the lead in the championship standings, two points over Brad Keselowski with three races remaining.

Keselowski started 32nd, methodically worked his way forward, and took a late gamble to grab the lead on a restart with 19 laps to go. When Johnson and the rest of the leaders pitted for tires, Keselowski was a sitting duck once the race went back to green.

Johnson made the race a points bonanza, leading the most laps and earning three points for the victory.

Busch was second, followed by Kasey Kahne.

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