Jimmie Johnson got a good push from Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to win Sunday's Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. Johnson crossed the finish line .002 seconds ahead of Clint Bowyer, tying the record for the closest finish in NASCAR Sprint Cup history.

“I can’t thank Junior enough,” said Johnson, who gave Earnhardt the checkered flag after the race..

Eight cars battled for the lead on the final lap with the duo of Johnson and Earnhardt, Jr. making a move to the inside of Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin with Bowyer and Harvick on the outside as they reached the tri-oval.

"I just tried to stay on the back of him without wrecking him," Dale, Jr. said of the push that sent his Hendrick teammate to Victory Lane. "If I couldn't win the race I was wanting him to win."

Bowyer settled for second after leading a race-high 38 laps.

"We did everything we could do," said Bowyer. "We just came up a little short."

Jeff Gordon finished third followed by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Kevin Harvick.

There were 88 lead changes among 26 drivers before an estimated crowd of 115,000.

"That's what makes this place awesome." shared Bowyer. "I hope the fans enjoyed that finish."

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