What others say about Jimmie Johnson’s fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup title
HOMESTEAD, Fla. - Hendrick Motorsports’ Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus earned their fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup championship Sunday, a feat unmatched in the 61-year history of the sport. Here’s a look at what some are saying about the accomplishment:
“It takes a special blend of commitment, passion and drive to win consecutive championships, let alone four in any athletic endeavor. Winning four Stanley Cup championships was a testament to the teamwork and camaraderie our four teams had in proving we were a true dynasty. I would like to congratulate Jimmie on accomplishing this very special feat.”
- Mike Bossy, who won four consecutive Stanley Cup championship from 1980-83 with the New York Islanders
“I can’t believe Jimmie did it. It’s unreal. I really just believed that something would happen and Mark [Martin] would be able to get him just because it’s so amazing the luck that they’ve had. I know it’s not all luck, but there’s luck that goes with it and they’ve had amazing performance and amazing luck and my hat’s off to them.”
- Roush Fenway Racing driver Carl Edwards
“I remember hanging out with Jimmie in 2001 and sitting on his boat dock, just hanging out and drinking a beer. Both of us were just in awe that we were even in the Busch Series at the time, so for him to do what he has done is incredible. I will say that as much as he wins and everything happens, Jimmie’s one of those guys you want to hate, but he’s one of the best guys out here. I think that he is very deserving of what he has.”
- Roush Fenway Racing driver Jamie McMurray
"Congratulations to Jimmie, Chad, [team owner] Rick [Hendrick], and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization on winning a fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. It has been a solid year for Team Chevy, and we are thrilled to share in the success of all our Chevy drivers, teams and owners. We are very proud of their hard work and for once again demonstrating Chevrolet's commitment to working everyday to win both on and off the track with our outstanding cars and trucks."
- Chevrolet Global Vice President Brent Dewar
"On behalf of all the folks at GM Racing, congratulations to Jimmie, Chad, and everyone on the No. 48 team; along with Rick and the entire Hendrick Motorsports organization on their fourth championship. Winning Chevrolet's 33rd NASCAR Sprint Cup manufacturers' title and our 26th drivers championship is a testament to the excellence of everyone at Team Chevy – the drivers, engineers, teams, and support staff that make it happen.
- GM Racing Manager Mark Kent
“It’s just that they’ve done a phenomenal job. Four in a row for them and I couldn’t be happier for him. There’s no more deserving champion than them.”
- Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin
“I have a great deal of respect for the work they put into it. The thing that interests me is I think sometimes I hear the fans say it's coming easy to him. I suspect they work really hard. I suspect nothing comes that easy to anybody, and I'm sure that Chad [Knaus] and Jimmie and everybody works exceptionally hard. I know that I've had the privilege to work with Mark Martin, and I know if you're going to run as well as he does, you're going to have to work your ass off, and I'm sure that Jimmie does that. … To win four championships in a row, I didn't think anybody would be able to do that. Never in 100 years did I think somebody would be able to do that.”
- Richard Childress Racing driver Jeff Burton
