Johnson ready to race after dehydration issue

Jimmie Johnson(AP/Dave Frechette)

JOLIET, Ill. — Defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson is confident he won’t have any issues with hydration or cramping as he heads into the opening race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship.

The six-time champion cramped after last week’s race at Richmond and received 5 litres of intravenous fluids in the infield medical centre to treat dehydration. His Hendrick Motorsports team found that the cooling system connected to his helmet had malfunctioned and warm air was being blown onto Johnson during the race.

The cooling system has been replaced with a former system Johnson used in time for Sunday’s race at Chicagoland Speedway.

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