Two Hendrick cars forced to backups

FONTANA, Calif. -- The Auto Club 500 weekend began in shaky fashion for Team Lowe's Racing drivers Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch Friday at California Speedway.

	Jimmie Johnson Credit: Autostock

Johnson, a former California winner, backed his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet into the outside wall just two laps into the weekend's first Nextel Cup Series practice. Busch, meanwhile, also wrecked during the first Busch Series practice of the weekend.

According to Hendrick Motorsports director of competition Ken Howes, Johnson said the car felt good through Turns 3 and 4 on his first lap, but as he sailed down the front straightaway into Turn 1, it wouldn't turn.

Johnson fought to steer it, but couldn't corral the machine before it went tail first into the outside wall between Turns 1 and 2.

AUTO CLUB 500  •  Complete race coverage

The rear end was demolished, forcing Johnson into a backup car. He will however, use the same engine that was in the wrecked machine.

Busch will also require a backup car, after losing control of his car in Turn 2. Busch said he was loose at the beginning of practice, so the team installed bigger rear springs to help tighten it up. He said they might have tightened it up a bit too much, however, making it difficult to steer and thus triggering his accident.

Stay tuned to NASCAR.COM for further updates.