CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Lost in the drama of the late-race showdown between Mark Martin and Juan Pablo Montoya was another very strong run for Jimmie Johnson.

With little fanfare, the three-time defending Sprint Cup champion finished fourth at New Hampshire. It was just another day at the office for Johnson, who is vying for a NASCAR record fourth consecutive title this season.

"I'm obviously pleased with the performance from New Hampshire, and very happy to be where we are in the points," said Johnson, who is tied with Denny Hamlin for second in the Chase for the championship standings. They trail Martin, the leader, by 35 points.

If Johnson's run Sunday in the Chase opener went unnoticed — he started 16th and led just 14 laps — it's only because of the show Hendrick Motorsports teammate Martin put on while grabbing his series-best fifth win of the year. Martin used pit strategy to charge to the front, then held off Montoya over a frantic three-lap final sprint to the finish.

But Johnson won't stay quiet for long. It's likely he'll be front and center this weekend during Round 2 of the Chase at Dover International Speedway.

Johnson has four wins on the 1-mile concrete oval, including a dominating victory in June when he led 298 of 400 laps.

This 12-driver field is one of the toughest since the Chase's 2004 inception, and Martin set the tone right off the bat.