Jeff Gordon gave Jimmie Johnson a handshake in victory lane to congratulate his teammate on yet another win, but really, it just symbolized what most NASCAR fans have to be fearing -- it's time to throw in the towel yet again at the feet of King Jimmie.Johnson led 126 of 250 laps in Sunday's Pepsi 500 in Fontana, Calif., and overcame a dramatic final 20 laps that saw him bounced from the lead by Gordon. No matter. Johnson shot back by just a few laps later and then ran away from the field for the win.
It wasn't a surprise, really, that Johnson won. But it's a surprise to realize that pending crazy circumstances, there's not a team in NASCAR that can top the No. 48.
Need proof? Just go through the list of guys who were chasing Johnson, and trying to stop his pursuit of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, during Sunday's race outside of Los Angeles.
Gordon, the second-place finisher, was quite straight to the point after the race.
"We finished second," Gordon said,"but I feel like we were in a second-class category. We're good, but we're not good enough."
His final question in his post-race conference, though, really left an idea of what Gordon will be gnawing on during his long flight back home on the East Coast. What exactly, a reporter asked, is the difference between the No. 24 and No. 48, knowing the fact that they are based out of the same garage?
Gordon shook his head, grimaced and paused.
"Ask the tech center," said Gordon in a low voice. "I don't know. I really have no idea."
Talk about sounding defeated.
Gordon, though, did gain two spots in the Chase standings and now sits 105 points behind Johnson in first.
Juan Pablo Montoya shared Gordon's frustration.
"It's incredible," said Montoya. "I have four top-5's in a row, and I'm losing ground to the leader."
Incredible, indeed.
Montoya's worst finish in the Chase is fourth -- something he's done three times including Sunday's race. Yet, he's 58 points behind Johnson in third.
It's almost unfair.
"It'd be nice if we could get a freakin' win soon," said Montoya.
It seems that Jimmie Johnson has other plans. He is, after all, batting .500 in the win column in this season's Chase.
Mark Martin finished fourth Sunday and fell from the Chase lead for the first time. He's now a mere 12 points behind Johnson -- though you get that feeling that its more like 1,200.
Tony Stewart finished fifth after a day that saw him a lap down and as low as 30th at one point. The finish certainly staved off his elimination, but he's fourth in points and 84 markers back of the No. 48. Not that the team owner is giving up.
"This team never quits," said Stewart after his comeback day. "Never has, never will."
Certainly, Stewart's attitude is nothing short of noble. There's still opportunities for Johnson to have troubles -- for reference, see Denny Hamlin's mistake Sunday at ACS that left him with a 37th-place finish -- in the final six races. But after watching this story unfold for three straight years, can we really expect anything different to happen?
I certainly don't think so, but more importantly, it seems like some of the drivers don't think so.
Latest NASCAR Images
Jimmie Johnson, center, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Pepsi 500 auto race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jimmie Johnson's crew celebrates after Johnson won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Pepsi 500 auto race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jimmie Johnson kisses his wife, Chandra, as they celebrate his victory in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Pepsi 500 auto race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
AP
FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson
Getty Images for NASCAR
FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson
Getty Images for NASCAR
FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's/Jimmie Johnson Foundation Chevrolet, crosses the finsih line to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson
Getty Images for NASCAR
FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Getty Images
FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson
Getty Images
FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, races during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson
Getty Images
FONTANA, CA - OCTOBER 11: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway on October 11, 2009 in Fontana, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jimmie Johnson
Getty Images for NASCAR
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
10-11-2009 @ 10:19PM
bert,matt,zack said...
I do like johnson and hendrick but i am tired of the johnson show?
Nascar is so stuck on "making history" they lost touch with what fans want, like everybody getting a chance. They have ruined racing with the chase cause as long as jimmie gets in" no one wins"? Change the chase races around or do away with it all together? They wonder why people quit coming or watching, the chase is why. now you don't have to watch the first 25 and if jimmie gets in theres no use watching the last 10 cause its over? Is it wrong cause he figured all those races out, no but it sure is a waste of time?
So in close the chase is bad for all us except jimmie?
Reply
10-11-2009 @ 11:06PM
xqqme22 said...
Yea,Why dont we break a drivers arm or leg after a win so other drivers have a chance. Be real the best man or team wins.
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 5:24AM
David said...
I think Johnsons team is at the top of their sport. Johnson, the crew chief, Henrick motor sports, pitt crew and anyone else, have achived a harmony few teams ever do. BUT It is very boring to watch a NASCAR RACE.AS people predicted multi car teams were going to ruin the sport... they didnt predict that Nascar would really screw it up AS WELL. NASCAR...ALLOW SOME CREATIVITY NOT JUST RIDGID RULES> LEAVE A VARIENCE SO TEAMS CAN MAKE DECISSIONS BETWEEN JUST TRACK BAR AND TIRE INFLATION. BREAK UP THE TEAMS! DO REVENUE SHARING SO PEOPLE CAN PUT OUT A COMPETATIVE PRODUCT! ALLOW ENGINUITY TO BE SOMETHING OTHER THEN CHEATING!
10-12-2009 @ 5:57AM
Don said...
Rick Hendrick is a great team owner. Jimmy Johnson is fantastic driver. But so are Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon and my choice, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Which leads me to crew chiefs. Now I know he's a great crew chief and car builder, but could "Cheater Chad" be the difference that is perplexing the entire NASCAR garage? We all know from his past that he pushes the envelope to the max. Penalties included. Perhaps the "Sly Fox" has something figured out that NASCAR officials haven't caught onto yet and if they did, would outlaw it as illegal. It has happened in the past... Can you spell Darrell "WalDrip"? Steel shot? Ahhh, how soon they forget...
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 7:54AM
roadthundr2 said...
Human-Nights:
Johnson's team is cheating. Chad the cheater just has NOT be caught. Then Hendrick does control NASCAR. The big corporate money and Hendrick have ruined this sport. A investigation into there operstion is well over due.
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 12:08PM
illsell4u said...
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! I want my driver to be a winner too!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
10-12-2009 @ 8:06AM
hafttwo said...
face it jj is the man. he is under more scrutiny now than ever if they were cheating they would be caught. right now that combo is unstoppable and after a while they get in other drivers heads, just like gordon did in the 90's
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 9:51AM
nsarmento said...
Ummm...NASCAR must be really moronic then...if Chad is a "cheater." LOL, they do check the cars before and after the race. Has JJ EVER had a race pulled out from under him for cheating? NO. Sour grapes. Congrats JJ on another great win. I'm still rooting for the old man, but I'd be just as happy if JJ won the whole thing again this year. And as for Hamlin and Biffle...kharma is a witch, huh? Play nice, be nice, and maybe one day you too can actually win a race.
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 9:58AM
Kim said...
Halftwo:
One of the best comments you have written thus far and I concur completely.
With the others, the majority, pure stupidity! Since Johnson is winning, yes again, it can't just be that he is a FANTASTIC DRIVER and has a FANTASTIC TEAM & a FANTASTIC CREW CHIEF. Nope, they must be cheating. Give me a stinkin break! They're not cheating, they simply are the cream of the crop. They have this chase thing down pat and are going to be hard to beat. And don't feel too sorry for Gordon. Remember, Gordon owns half of Jimmie's car and receives many owner points and tons of money for all of Jimmie's success, too. He's not feeling sorry for himself, trust me!
Go Johnson & the number 48 team!!!! Go for the record and get the fourth straight championship! Congratulations on another great win! Keep them coming!
Kim
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 11:36AM
NASCAR JUSTICE said...
CHEATING IS A CHRONIC DESEASE.ONCE A CHEATER, ALWAYS A CHEATER.
10-13-2009 @ 7:32PM
FAIRY JIMBO48 said...
CHEAT,CHEAT,CHEAT KNAUS THE BIGGEST CHEATER EVER IN NASCAR HISTORY. 3 CHAMPS 3 BIG CHEATS.
10-12-2009 @ 11:36AM
parkerbite said...
No doubt,Jimmy Johnson is the top of NASCAR.Chad is a great crew chief, but even when he was suspended, 48 still won...No doubt, he will be hard to beat !
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 2:01PM
jbm48jbm said...
The 48 car has been torn apart after each of the last three races...No illegal parts,met all specs,was warned that they were pushing the envelope close but were legal in ALL areas. Best team in NASCAR, that is why they win
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 4:33PM
James said...
Jeff knew he was outclassed,Brad D.knew he was done,anyone watching could see Johnson was gonna win,so why is dumb@ss Rusty"father of crashtestdummy Steven"Wallace allowed to sit in front of a national TV camera and give "expert"commentary.Two laps to go,and having just given up the lead to Johnson,Jeff is in great position to win.Are you even watching the race?WAKE UP ESPN this self serving jerk sucks!
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 5:21PM
nzcr14 on 2 the doc said...
DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN; OOPS I MEAN THE LATEST DOC POST not the madonna old movie.
Hi i been told that the doc has posted again.
Anybody that spots the spew please let me know the location, thanks.
MY CONGRATS TO JJ for a great win and so to the other top5 drivers. GORDON could won easily,had he took the inside lane again on the last 2 restarts as he did on the last 3rd one; however he still had a great finish.GREAT come back for STEWART too.HE had the martini behind him and could gotten to the montana boy too and passed him
but as ya all saw he went sideways coming out turn 4 with onlu couple laps to go and so had to lift off the gas and take the 5th instead of another wreck or wall hit slide.works for me....
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 8:51PM
illsell4u said...
Jeff normally sucks on restarts. I have made note of this on several occassions this year. What really sucks was on the one restart when he went out to a commanding lead there was a huge crash ending his best chance for a win. Oh well, too bad so sad. Jeff comes in second for the 7th time this year.
mbl
Reply
10-12-2009 @ 9:35PM
xxxsexyveronica said...
If there was one race that johnson had to win this year and this chase exspecially it was this one at fontana.
And he won it in a fashion manner leading most of the laps too.I have to agree with you anna about gordon having a good chance to take the win yesterday but i'm sure ya know better than me mistakes and croocked things happen to everybody at one time or another like jj running out of gas
and tony winning; Poonos? if i remember correctly?
Your driver had a top finish too along with the top contenders so i assume was a happy day for many.
To the bunch that keep on bringing up the cheat knaus flag here it only shows your ignoramis at it's best as is no news that chad has not been cheating for the last 2 years and brad maybe ya shall group them and add em to the junior haters plethora of hate.I still believe dej will do better next year even with all the ongoing negatives.
Reply
10-13-2009 @ 7:51PM
phillip belcher said...
i was oa the race jerko johson did win but only when he was in in front by him self he was good. yes clean air is good. But he did get tied in traffic he was not so good. there are still six races left don't count that old #14 out. I would love to see Martin win the champion ship he deserves it. go out a champion. Jr had a good car Sunday. his lap times were faster than jimmy's he was coming to the fron untill Ellot Sadler hit him. thewerecke happened in front of me. Jr would have had something for jimmy had he not been werecked he was 1/2 second faster than jimmy at the the time of the wreck.
Reply
10-14-2009 @ 8:14AM
Kim said...
Should've, would've, could'ves. You people amaze me! Quite whining or quit watching, whichever will make you happiest.
Kim
10-15-2009 @ 11:23PM
Rick said...
Right now I wouldn't pay to go to a NASCAR race and I have been to quite a few races in the past as well as other types of racing series. It's so overrated right now especially when it is being dominated by Hendrick Motorsports. I don't know if it's good for any team to totally dominate a league or series but as a fan I find it very boring. 43 teams run every week and after 3 hrs of racing you can almost predict what will happen.HMS has a lot of resources at their disposal and are making a mockery of NASCAR.I'm wondering whether if the other teams don't step it up and start winning more,race fans may not pay attention to the series. Just a thought.
Reply