A late caution gave Jimmie Johnson one last chance at victory in Sunday’s Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway.

With old tires and concerns about fuel, the defending champion lined up behind Carl Edwards for a Green/White/Checkered finish. Johnson was not able to capitalize on the opportunity however, as Edwards rode off into the sunset once again.

In comparison to last season, 2008 has been quite a struggle for the Hendrick Motorsports teams. Johnson struggled through the season’s opening weeks, going into Sunday’s race with just two top-5 finishes on the year.

The team – led by crew chief Chad Knaus – used the off-week to regroup and address the issues facing the team. A fourth place finish at Martinsville last week and Sunday’s runner-up spot goes to show Knaus’ hard work is beginning to pay off.

Johnson’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Jeff Gordon, had a miserable day at the Texas Motor Speedway. Texas has baffled the four-time champion – Gordon has yet to win at Texas – and that was evident with Sunday’s performance.

Gordon struggled to find the handle of his No. 24 Dupont Chevrolet all afternoon. In uncharacteristic fashion, Gordon brought out the second caution of the day when he lost it in Turn 4 and backed the car hard into the wall.

“I can’t remember the last time we struggled this bad,” Gordon explained from the infield.

Gordon’s team was unable to make repairs and finished the day in 43rd position, dropping him five spots in the standings to 14th. Sunday marked only the second time in his career that Gordon finished in last place.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. looked like the man to beat going into Sunday’s event, however much like the rest of the season, his No. 88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet faded at the end. Junior was able to bring it home in twelfth position, one lap down, maintaining his fourth place spot in the series standings.

When compared to last season, the folks at Hendrick Motorsports must be scratching their heads. Coming into the season, they looked to be the team to beat, especially after the addition of Dale Earnhardt Jr., however that has not been the case. Still shut-out in the win column, Rick Hendrick’s cars have struggled to beat those of Jack Roush, Joe Gibbs and Richard Childress.

Heading into Phoenix next week, this team needs to turn the corner. Gordon and Johnson won both events at Phoenix International Raceway last year, but both need to step up their game if they want to repeat.