Steve Waid: It’s still early, but the title seems like Jimmie Johnson’s to lose
By Steve Waid
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports' Jimmie Johnson celebrates with his wife, Chandra, in victory lane after winning last Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway.
David Griffin
NASCAR Scene
COMMENTARY
With eight races remaining in The Chase For The Sprint Cup, it doesn’t make sense to cede the championship to Jimmie Johnson.
There’s a good ways to go yet.
Even after he won convincingly at Dover, for his 15th career victory in the Chase (in 52 races), to close to within 10 points of leader Mark Martin, Johnson can still suffer an ill turn of fortune over the next eight weeks.
Yeah, maybe, but don’t expect that to happen. Certainly his rivals don’t.
Even Martin, who has won five times this year and at this point is surely on track to win his first career title, admits that Johnson is going
to be hard to beat.
“I’m sure the dude’s Superman,” said Martin, who added that he thinks Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team seem to intensify their efforts during the Chase.
Johnson, who is now tied with Bill Elliott for 14th place on NASCAR’s all-time victory list with 44 wins, has been in every Chase since 2004, the year it was introduced.
He finished second to Kurt Busch in ’04 and was fifth in 2005, the year Tony Stewart won his second title.
And, of course, Johnson won the championship the next three years in succession.
A driver who has never finished lower than fifth in the eight-year history of the Chase, and won three titles, seems to have a firm grip on how to race in NASCAR’s playoff.
Johnson has said the biggest reason he’s been the ultimate Chase driver is the schedule. The tracks are very good for his team.
He’s the defending champion for the upcoming race at Kansas, where he’s finished among the top 10 five times in seven races.
At Auto Club Speedway in California, he won the track’s second race the past two seasons. He’s won five times in 16 races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. He’s won five of the past six races at Martinsville.
The only track in the Chase at which he hasn’t won is Homestead, but by that time, that may not make much of a difference.
But, as said, there are eight races remaining and this is not the time to offer Johnson the title elegantly wrapped with a bow on top.
Hey, let’s reiterate that Martin is leading this thing with an average finish of 1.5 in two Chase races. If he can keep that up, or at least come close to it, well, that’s a championship.
Juan Pablo Montoya, who has put together a string of solid performances, is in third, just 55 points behind Johnson. And Kurt Busch, in
fourth, is 65 points in arrears.
At this point, you can’t really rule out anyone in the top 12 – well, you could, but mathematically they are all still in it.
But for most of them, Johnson – and a few others – are going to have to tank for them to have any chance.
Oh, yes, Johnson could tank. But few, if anyone, think he will.
As for Johnson, he knows the only thing that matters is how he and his team perform. They have control over that and little, if anything, else.
They have already repeatedly shown what masterful control over performance they have in the Chase.
That’s something with which their rivals are very familiar. And it’s why that in the opinion of most of them, right now, the championship is
Johnson’s to lose.
Popular News
-
PRESEASON PREDICTIONS: Which Sprint Cup star will snap his long winless streak first?
Comments (188) -
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., life as an Earnhardt is not easy, especially when you're not winning
Comments (139) -
Jeff Owens: Should RCR’s black No. 3 return to NASCAR’s Cup series?
Comments (120) -
Hendrick Motorsports’ Mark Martin more prepared mentally and physically for 2010
Comments (105) -
Dale Earnhardt Inc. plans for Jeffrey Earnhardt still in flux
Comments (96)
Recent Headlines
-
SEASON PREVIEW: Mike Skinner optimistic about 2010 prospects
Comments (1) -
SEASON PREVIEW: Camping World Truck Series top-20 rankings
Comments (3) -
Josh Wise to drive in Nationwide Series for Specialty Racing
Comments (2) -
HBO’s ‘24/7 Jimmie Johnson’ documentary series expected to shift into high gear tonight
Comments (26) -
SEASON PREVIEW: Roush Fenway Racing’s Carl Edwards hungry to regain place among Sprint Cup’s elite
Comments (14)
Poll PositionView All
After qualifying and the Budweiser Shootout, who is the favorite to win the Daytona 500?
Promotions
-
Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.
-
Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.
Comments
16 responses to "Steve Waid: It’s still early, but the title seems like Jimmie Johnson’s to lose". Post a Comment.
STP43FAN said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 9:23 AMThe designated champion of the sport's biggest team is not going to lose the title. Period.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportgrandmasharon0 said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 10:34 AMWell let's not put the cart before the horse just yet. It is a bit early in the game and the points are not that far apart to be so sure of a champion at this time. There are 11 other drivers just as determined and talented as Jimmie in this thing. Sometimes it takes a while for the cream to separate and come to the top!!!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmbsenlick said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 3:56 PMJust make it a 2-man race for the chase. Everyone knows it going to happen. It is going to come down to Mark Martin and Jimmie Johnson. Because those 2 have been the most consistent drivers all year long. Even know Mark has had his problems in the year, but he has rebounded very nicely. Well Jimmie is just being Jimmie. Mark is quick in practice and qualifying every week and is always running in the top 5 top 10 all race. And is always there at the end of the race. It is going to be a nail bitter for Rick until the very end
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportbuenperico said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 3:57 PMThisnthat, how come it can't be decided on the last lap at Homestead? More exciting.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportmbsenlick said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 3:58 PMBut I still say Mark Martin is going to be the champ. Sooner or later Jimmie's reign of champ has to end.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportbuenperico said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 3:58 PMBetween 5 and 48 (sorry, STML)
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportzebsdad said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 4:10 PMThat's right, just give him the cup. There are 11 others in the chase. Several are contenders.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportJrsTheMan88 said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 4:12 PMMartin has a 1.5 average finish in the Chase so far. Whats Johnsons? GO JR!!! GO MARTIN!!!
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportHamlinLover said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 4:48 PMJr isn't even contending, give it a break, he sucks. As for Jimmie winning it again, who knows. it's way too early to even think about it. Mark is still in front and he came in second at Dover. I think he has a better chance at the championship right now, but of course I'm rooting for Denny. It's anybody's to win at this time.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportSheilaLovesNASCAR said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 5:25 PMI said once, that if the Chase stays with the same tracks every year, Jimmy will win his 7,8,9 Championships in a row. Jimmy knows how to win on those ten tracks. If NASCAR wants good racing, it should get rid of the Chase and give an extra 25 points for the win. And may the driver with the most points win the Championship. Like it was.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportyojoromo said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 6:17 PMWho blew engine at end of this race? Anyone know?
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Reportnascarnutsheeler said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 6:23 PMPlease dear Lord let anyone but a Hendrick car get the chase.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportPhere said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 7:24 PMO.K. everybody concedes. He wins. He's Super-Duper-Man, He can go home now and relish in himself, Chad Knauss', and his perfectness. So now, can the rest of us peek our heads out the door, and maybe scoot our broken toys around a little? How about it, Mark, Juan, Kurt, Tony, Denny, Ryan, Jeff, Greg, Carl, Brian, Kasey, You all give up? Should we turn out the light?
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportRainier said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 9:58 PMI'm a die hard 48 fan and I'm taking nothing for granted. He is far from invincible. They have made plenty of costly mistakes this year on the track and in the pits. It's far from over.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportAndi said:
Sep 29, 2009 at 11:23 PMI'm totally with you Rainier and yes its far from over. There's 8 more races to go, and there's still Dega.
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse ReportKadach said:
Sep 30, 2009 at 4:38 AMNo offense to JJ, but I hope someone else (maybe MM), wins
Report as AbuseReport Abuse
This feature is intended to allow you to report comments that are abusive in terms of foul/vulgar language, harassment, racial/religious prejudice and any words/phrases of a related nature. This feature should not be used to report users who simply make a comment about your favorite driver, with which you do not agree. Commenting is a forum in which we can all express our opinions. Reporting abuse of others should be done with this in mind.
» Confirm Abuse Report