Jimmie Johnson won the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship and by doing that, he’s the first driver in the 61 year history of NASCAR to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship title 4 years in a row. He stands alone in the record books. And we the fans were here to be a part of that event. What awesomeness be actually watch this happen.
This achievement seems more monumental than yesteryear because the parity that NASCAR has tried to deploy has pretty much affected everyone except the Lowe’s No. 48 team. The combined keen eye of Chad Knaus and wheel skills of Jimmie Johnson, supported by a dedicated Hendrick Motorsports team has made this team shine throughout the last four years.
No one can take this from them, ever.
During the race there were a few instances of entertainment. Juan Pablo Montoya thwacked Tony Stewart, then Tony came down on Montoya in response, inadvertantly cutting his tire. Then when Montoya, acting like Hamlin did on Saturday with Keselowski, got back on track, he blatantly spun Stewart… getting himself a 2-lap penalty.
With 20 to go, Johnson was in 7th and Martin was in 12th. Denny Hamlin led the pack, followed by Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton, Kurt Busch & Kevin Harvick were the front 5.
Johnson’s team made smart conservative pit stops, Jimmie made smart racing moves.
This smart season ties Hendrick Motorsports with Petty Enterprises for the most Cup Titles and will move the powerhouse team past Richard Childress Racing for the most championships in all NASCAR series.
Hendrick Motorsports is also the first time in NASCAR history to have teams in the top 3 positions in the championship.
Denny Hamlin won the Ford 400, followed by Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, with Jimmie Johnson coming in 5th!
Now the question is, will the phrase, “Strive for Five” start hitting the airwaves now, or just before the Daytona 500 as NASCAR coverage starts up once again.
In the meantime, Rick Hendrick had to stay home today to attend to his 29-year-old niece’s emergency liver transplant. Hope all is well at the home front.
source for niece surgery : ESPN,
