Don't expect Jimmie Johnson to drive conservatively
MARTINSVILLE, Va. - With a 90-point lead over Mark Martin and five races to go, Jimmie Johnson is in good position to capture the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup title.
So will Johnson drive conservatively in an effort to avoid trouble and coast to a fourth straight championship?
Not if history is any indication.
In his title runs of 2006, 2007 and 2008, Johnson rarely shied away from pushing the envelope for wins or the best finish possible.
His eight victories over the last three Chase segments are enough proof of Johnson’s willingness to put it all on the line even if doing so puts him at greater risk of finding trouble.
But if there’s one race where Johnson has been prone to play it a bit safe, it’s the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson has finished 15th, seventh and ninth, respectively, at Homestead the last three seasons as he wrapped up the title.
On each occasion, Johnson held a semi-comfortable lead entering the final race.
While some observers might see this as Johnson easing his way to a championship, it’s hard to fault a guy with a reputation for holding nothing back.
And if Johnson goes on to win a record-breaking fourth straight championship in 2009, don’t expect his strategy to change much.
