Here's what everyone will be talking about as the NASCAR haulers roll into Daytona International Speedway next month for the start of one the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.In the days -- even hours -- leading up to the 2008 season finale, Jimmie Johnson was uncomfortable talking about his impending third consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, even though all he had to do was finish 36th or better in the last race. Johnson preferred to wait until he had wrapped his arms around the hardware and the historic feat was accomplished. He didn't want to assume anything.
Now he better get used to a new round of questioning.
Johnson could very well win a fourth straight. He sure couldn't have scripted a better season to try, anyway.
Three straight titles in this ultra-competitive sport was unlikely, but considering the circumstances, four has never been a better bet.
And Johnson is exactly the guy who could pull it off. He has everything he needs -- car, team, confidence, experience -- plus a lot of outside variables that happened to fall his way this particular season.
With testing restrictions and budget cuts there's little chance for his competition to make up enough ground so that he won't be regarded the championship favorite.
More so than in the past, this season will expose the haves and have-nots. And no one this decade has "had it" like Hendrick Motorsports or Johnson.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-21-2009 @ 12:01PM
joemullen00 said...
Go Jimmy (test post)
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1-21-2009 @ 3:35PM
Janice said...
Back2back, 3PEAT and 4plusmore! You go Jimmie J
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1-21-2009 @ 6:17PM
jay said...
theres an old saying money buys speed if you spend millions you better win something and with some talent your go to go also luck helps
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1-21-2009 @ 6:20PM
ibabeachboy said...
Yeah .. You " Go " Jimmy ... Go ahead and win the next 15 or 16 NASCAR Sprint Cups .. Yawnnnnnnnnn .. then you can count on exactly 3 people left in the stands to cheer you on buddy boy ( your wife & parents ) ... Keep winning & who the hell will give a crap about NASCAR .... Right now NASCAR is scared to death that millions of fans could care less about the NASCAR season .. that the three top teams have so much more money .. if you are not a fan of one of the drivers of those top three teams, your season is over before it has started ! Parity & Competition has put the NFL on top, BECAUSE at the beginning of each season almost every single team ( Except Detroit, of course ! lol ) has a legitimate shot to go to the playoffs & a chance to go to the Super Bowl because of the Parity. In NASCAR, once you get past the drivers from the three most monied teams & if you don't root for one of those drivers, but root for one of the other 30 or so drivers, what the Hell fun is there left for YOU ?????? NONE !! and as Porky says : Tha Tha Tha That's All Folks !!!
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1-21-2009 @ 9:36PM
boderekisa5now said...
Well said beachboy,he can win all he wants but he sure isn't putting any people in the seats,it's like watching grass grow.
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1-22-2009 @ 9:54AM
DA24JG said...
As for J.J., his crew chief, Chad Knaus was his biggest asset! Let's not forget that Chad and a few others were among Jeff's team until Jeff brought J.J. to the 'big show' and handed Chad Knaus, a few other team members and his race cars over to J.J. to help him get under way to be a serious contender right off the bat for crying out loud. You take Chad away from J.J. and you won't see another championship out of him for a few years. In other words, I'm 'sure' J.J. is damn thankful and indebted to JG for his time and efforts....
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1-22-2009 @ 6:35PM
Bob said...
RE: ibabeachboy--I'm afraid your comments are all too true. Just look at Pete Sampras in tennis--he was incredibly good at his sport, but incredibly bland otherwise, and after a while no one seemed to care what he won. I am very impressed with Johnson's skills and don't begrudge him the titles he's earned, but without a stronger personality, or at least a recurring rivalry foil to spice things up, I'm afraid his wins are going to put people to sleep. NASCAR in particular seems to need those like Dale Jr. and Kyle Busch to get their championships mixed in, to keep all the camps interested--variety really is the spice of life, and the key to success for NASCAR.
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