California native Jimmie Johnson accelerated his bid for a record fourth straight Sprint Cup Series championship with a convincing victory Sunday at his hometrack -- Auto Club Speedway.

Johnson, from nearby El Cajon, moved underneath Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon and took the lead with six laps remaining in the Pepsi 500. Just after Johnson made the pass, a multi-car pile ensued in turn one, forcing a 22-minute red flag for track cleanup. He easily held off Gordon in a three-lap shootout to the finish for his third consecutive win in the fall race here.

With the victory, Johnson claimed the points lead for the first time this season. He now holds a 12-point lead over Mark Martin, who finished fourth.

Gordon finished second, while Juan Pablo Montoya came in third. Montoya trails Johnson by 58 points after the fourth race in the Chase.

Tony Stewart, last week's winner at Kansas, overcame a one-lap deficit to complete the top-five.

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