Phoenix Chase-ing: The Jeff and Jimmie Show

(This will be the first part of a two-part series airing here on the Fanhouse. It will break down the final two races of the season for the two drivers, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, who still have a manageable shot of winning the 2007 Chase for the Nextel Cup. Watch for the next one just before Homestead next week.)

Heading to Phoenix International Raceway this weekend for the 9th of 10 events in the Chase for the Nextel Cup, Jimmie Johnson leads teammate Jeff Gordon by 30 points. Here's a breakdown of their past success at Phoenix and what type of possibilities exist with the point standings.

PIR Stats: Jeff Gordon comes to PIR knowing that he was the last winner in April at the track, and that he is the only driver to win there in the next-generation NASCAR race car. Johnson, though, holds the average finish margin by one full position - 7.2 to Gordon's 8.2.

Gordon has 17 career Cup starts at PIR to Johnson's 8. In that time, Gordon has racked up 8 top-5s and 14 top-10s to Johnson's 3 top-5s and 6 top-10s.

Chase Stats: After gaining the 30 point Chase lead last week at Texas, things are looking brighter for Johnson. However, that could change very quickly, as well. If Gordon wins and leads the most laps, he will tie Johnson if the No. 48 finishes 3rd without a led lap or fourth with one. A 43rd-place finish for Johnson at that point would give Gordon a 131-point lead heading to Homestead.

Likewise, if Johnson found victory lane and led the most laps, he could clinch the championship if Gordon finishes 34th or worse by simply starting at Homestead.

Naturally, Johnson can control his own destiny by winning the last two events, but Gordon can as well. If he wins at PIR and Homestead leads the most laps in both events, Gordon would take the title. If he doesn't lead the most laps and Johnson finishes 2nd in each event and leads a lap, the season would end in a tie, with the title going Johnson based on wins.

It shall be interesting, wouldn't you say?

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

11-08-2007 @ 12:32PM

Brad said...

Right on GM,

No matter what anyone thinks of Jeff or Jimmy ya gotta give these two wheel men their props because they can just flat drive. The next two weeks should be exciting just following these 2 drivers.

Aloha, Brad

11-08-2007 @ 3:38PM

Don Emerson said...

I agree, and my admiration for Johnson's driving skills grows week by week. Gordon's got his work cut out for him.

11-08-2007 @ 5:24PM

DA24JG said...

Don,
It's not the 'driving skills' of jimmie or Jeff but rather who has the better race car (setups and handling). You can also add in the crew chiefs as well. Now there is where Jeff has the odds against him. Both drivers are talented.....

11-08-2007 @ 6:53PM

Kim said...

Mr. Miller: I love it! Did you title this "The Jeff & Jimmie Show" because I had called it that in one of your previous blogs? If so, that's awesome! Thanks! If I am being presumptuous, I apologize. :-)

This is an exciting end to the season indeed. It really is up in the air as to if Jeff or Jimmie will win the chase. As of right now, Jimmie certainly appears to have the win in the bag so to speak, but Jeff could come out strong this week. And like Mr. Miller said, one bad finish for either, throws them from first place automatically. Well, here's hoping Jimmie succeeds! Go for number two in a row, Jimmie! I am rooting for you!

Kim

11-08-2007 @ 8:46PM

Susan said...

I am rooting for Jeff. He had the best regular season. He's a new dad and he took my Junior from the hell of Teresa to Hendrick. I will be forever grateful to Jeff Gordon.

11-08-2007 @ 8:51PM

drgrcr601 said...

Hey kimbo, who ya talkin about? Jimmy who? LOL That
pic of JJ and Chad looked like two city slickers ready to head out for a dude ranch.

miss ya

11-08-2007 @ 9:43PM

Hey Susan,
That was a very nice message for our 4 time champ! ;-) Look for Junior to have a great,...2008!

11-08-2007 @ 10:22PM

Thank you DA24JG. I really hope he wins the drive for five!!!

11-09-2007 @ 1:30AM

"MILLER, YOU COULDN'T WRITE YOURSELF OUT OF A BRED SACK, YOU LOSS!" IF ALL NASCAR FANS COULD READ WHAT I CAN WRITE FOR THEM, YOU WOULD LOSE YOU JOB, DUMB ASS!!!! >-)

11-09-2007 @ 2:36AM

Peaches said...

GO JIMMY JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11-09-2007 @ 2:49AM

Sorry Peaches,
DON'T GET 'TOOOOOOO' EXCITED TRAILER! JIMMIE 'MUNSTER' JOHNSON HAS HIS HANDS FULL WITH THE 'GOD OF RACING', "JEFF GORDON!" (NOT SURE IF YOU KNOW WHO JEFF GORDON IS....) SHOULD "JIMMIE 'MUNSTER' JOHNSON" WIN,......OH BOY........CONGRATS TO THE "HOT SHOT".... >-)

11-09-2007 @ 3:19AM

...........AND YOU DON'T WANT ANY OF THIS!!!!! >-) "BRING IT!!!!!" >-)

11-09-2007 @ 3:28AM

JIMMIE 'MUNSTER' JOHNSON IS A 'JEFF GORDON' WANNA BE!!! WHAT A PLASTIC 'CORPORATE LAY'!!! >-) WHAT A 'DEAD LAY!' HAS ANYONE EVER SEEN JIMMIE IN VICTORY LANE??? "JEFF GORDON IS THE ULTIMATE CHAMP IN NASCAR AND JIMMIE IS A "JEFF GORDON, 'WANNA BE'!!" >-)

11-09-2007 @ 3:31AM

DA24JG............

If your going to cap on Miller you should at least try to do so without shooting yourself in the foot.

Is that you lose or you lost????????

Did you mean Bread sack??????

Is that Lose your job??????

Dude we all make mistakes but when you butcher your own rant about Mr. Millers writing with that crap it's time to increase the power of your bathroom fan.

Aloha, Brad

11-09-2007 @ 3:38AM

Poor brad,.....
I'm sorry to report folks that brad is currently seeking help at the mental institute in a mental facility located in one of our great facilities in our great country. Please pray for him as he is suffering from a severe mental illness! "GET WELL SOON BRAD!! WE ARE BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY.......

11-09-2007 @ 3:55AM

That ok DA.....

I really don't mind being a little crazy, it's alot more fun than being JUST PLAIN STUPID.

And I have no doubt that you would love to get behind me.....that quote says a mouthfull about what side you like to butter your bread on.....oh I'm sorry you probably all ready have a mouthfull...

11-09-2007 @ 4:01AM

A mental institute in a mental facility in another facility..........DA??? Just how stupid are you??

Keep writing and you will just increase the level of your ignorance.....

11-09-2007 @ 4:17AM

(dialing Brad's doctor)'ring..ring..hello?'
da24jg: 'hello, is this Brad's doctor from the mental institute?'

Brad's doctor: 'why yes it is...is there a problem??'

da24jg: 'yes doc, thought you should know that your patient is out on the loose and it appears he has taken his medicine...'

Brad's doctor: 'can you tell me where he's at?!'

da24jg: 'well no doc, BUT, you may contact Geoffrey Miller who runs this blog as he MAY have more info. on Brad's where abouts...'

brad's doctor:'Why thank you for the phone call!'

da24jg: 'NO DOC, THANK YOU!!' ;-)

(brad...'poor soul!')

11-09-2007 @ 8:16AM

Awe Brad,

I think you might have a new "fan." Sweetie, you can't reason with the galactically stupid. Don't you know that yet? I discovered that with Emerson. You're too good for this moron.

Aloha and love ya!

Kim

11-09-2007 @ 9:20AM

DA24JG:

I have a couple questions for you. You are confusing me and probably others on here as well (head shaking). First, what do you mean by Jimmie Johnson being a "dead lay?" Have you any evidence as to what kind of "lay" Jimmie is? And what does your presumed performance of how the man is "in bed" have anything to do with his driving abilities? Just curious and a bit confused! Second, why don't you "lay off" a bit of the Johnson fans? Most of us are also Jeff Gordon fans, too you realize? Unlike you apparently, most of us support the entire Hendrick Team, even little "shrub." I have never been an Earnhardt Jr. fan although I think he's a nice guy, but intend to be starting next year because he will be part of the TEAM that I love. It doesn't make sense to me that you love one driver, but insult/spew hate toward his teammates.

Second, just what do you want us to "bring to you?" Do you want a basket of bread? Again, I am confused! Please explain!

Third, you really shouldn’t insult Mr. Miller’s writing skills when you yourself have difficulty with spelling & grammar, not to mention etiquette. I am quite sure that Mr. Miller’s education as well as his abilities as a writer has gotten him to where he is today and he should be respected for that. By the way, where’s your blog? If you have one, please let us all know so we can come “critique” your writing abilities! Until then, why post if you think the writer sucks? Again (head shaking)!

And to Susan,

Hi! I have to disagree with one of your statements, respectfully. Jeff has not had a better regular season than Johnson. Johnson has won nine races this season, more than Jeff. Johnson is the winningest driver this year as he was last year, too.

Otherwise, love your comments!

Kim