Johnson on track after positive test

One week ago, Jimmie Johnson learned he had become the first NASCAR driver to test positive for the novel coronavirus and would have to miss this past weekend’s race in Indianapolis, ending a streak of 663 consecutive starts, the fifth longest in the history of the sport.

Five days later, NASCAR reinstated the seven-time Cup Series champion after he twice tested negative early this week, permitting Johnson to race Sunday in the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway.

Johnson’s quick return also has prompted questions about whether it’s too soon to be back on the track with cases of the coronavirus spiking nationally.

“I’ve followed the protocol,” Johnson said during a Zoom call with the media Friday morning. “It brings a lot of questions as to where I was in the journey after being positive, and all of that, so there’s a lot speculation there.”

In other news:

• Austin Cindric dominated to sweep the NASCAR Xfinity Series doubleheader at Kentucky Speedway.

A night after racing to his first career oval victory in an overtime finish, the Team Penske driver was even stronger in the No. 22 Ford Mustang in the 300mile capper.

Cindric was third in the first stage, won the second and stretched it out in the final segment. He trailed briefly on the final restart, then sliced through two cars out of Turn 2 and rolled to victory by 2.262 seconds over points leader Chase Briscoe in the No. 98 Ford.

“What we did tonight was really impressive because we ran one setup last night and won the race and came with another setup and won the race again,” said Cindric, who started 15th. “That happens at the shop, that happens with the guys on the box. All credit to them.”

Just after Cindric celebrated his victory with a burnout, drivers Harrison Burton and Noah Gragson argued before throwing punches in a fight that lasted several moments before they were separated.

Justin Haley was third, followed by fellow Chevy drivers Ross Chastain and Justin Allgaier.