Johnny Benson at California Speedway (VPS Motorimages Photo)

After finishing second last weekend in the eighth-closest finish in NASCAR history at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Johnny Benson and his team were ready to take on California Speedway.

The team struggled somewhat during both practice sessions; however, after making adjustments to the No. 23 Toyota Tundra, the team began to make great progress during the final practice session. But before Benson and his crew could make any more adjustments, the rain set in and ended the final practice session. Benson had the 12th fastest truck during that session.

Benson's qualifying attempt came late in the session. Despite battling a loose-handling truck, Benson posted the 14th quickest time for the start of Friday night's event.

The loose condition continued even after the race had started. Benson began losing positions, but his focus was to hold on and drive hard into the turns. By lap eight, his Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Tundra started to improve.

After the caution flag waved on lap 30 for debris on the track, Benson pitted for four tires, fuel, wedge and air pressure adjustments. Benson restarted eighth on lap 35 and began gaining positions as soon as the green flag waved.

Benson let crew chief Trip Bruce know that his truck handled much better. After another caution on lap 51, Benson came to the pits for fuel and a ½ round up on the track bar to free his truck up just a bit. With pit strategy playing a huge factor, Benson took the lead for the lap 57 restart.

Benson held the lead until the next caution period began on lap 70. Benson stopped again for fresh tires, fuel and a wedge adjustment. He restarted 15th on lap 74.

Vaulting through the field, Benson was on a mission to get to the front fast. The final 13 laps were slowed by three cautions periods, but that did not halt Benson's charge. Benson emerged in the sixth position when the checkered flag waved.

The team will return to action in three weeks at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Benson will drive the Exide Toyota Tundra in that event.