November 25, 2009
By Chuck Abrams
Jimmie Johnson fans can revel in the knowledge that their champion is a never-happened-before-four-time champ.
Johnson is in rarified air here. He is in Michael Schumacher land folks, that’s just how dominant the #48 team is right now.
And while many fane are bored with the whole Johnson thing and many wonder if having any one team THIS dominant is good for NASCAR, the fact of the matter is Johnson is the champ and deserves all the accolades he gets. He is a very consistent driver even if he is not as flashy as Stewart or as arrogant as Kurt Busch. And Chad Knaus is just as deserving as Ray Evernham was for Jeff Gordon's success. The Knaus-Johnson connection is the team to beat until someone else steps up and knocks them out of the top spot.
Yeah, good luck with that.
While Jeff Gordon has been struggling for years with his drive for five titles, Johnson may beat him to it by winning it all once again in 2010.
Steve Letarte may not be the guy to get Gordon back in championship form, at least not enough to beat Johnson-Knaus. Mark Martin and Alan Gustafson may still the best driver-crew chief combo out there to do that.
Rick Hendrick has got to be tickled to death that three of his four teams managed to finish 1-2-3 in the final point standings. That is just insane and as impressive as Johnson winning four titles in a row.
Good luck to the rest of NASCAR knocking Johnson off the pedestal next year.
Other thoughts…
Kurt Busch vs Pat Tryson: Kurt totally threw his departing crew chief under the bus at the end of the race for making a call for a two tire change instead of a four tire change. What a complete jerk. I sure feel sorry for the next guy unlucky enough to partner with Kurt. I think Kurt will wear out his welcome at Penske sooner than later unless he delivers the goods – and soon.
Brad Keselowski vs Denny Hamlin: This rivalary is going to be rockin’ in 2010. I think both are out to play the respect game.
Stewart vs Montoya: Juan Pablo and Tony stepped it up another notch at Homestead and will carry over to 2010 as well. Both drivers are fiery competitors and Montoya will not back down to anyone. Of course, neither will Smoke.
Kasey Kahne vs RPM: My bet is on Kahne and I am wondering if he will finish 2010 with RPM. You heard it here first.
Dale Jr. has another lackluster performance and finishes the year 25th. Good golly, how the mighty have fallen. That will just not be acceptable next year. They need to be in the Chase or at least challenging for it right up until Richmond or the year will be another failure.
Carl Edwards and all of Roush Racing fall flat this year. For an organization that many felt would have Edwards giving Johnson a run for his money, they sure had a poor showing despite placing two cars in the Chase. Will a new motor give them a boost next year? They had better hope so.
I will be doing a series of takes on all the teams in the off months heading into Daytona. In the meantime, have a great Thanksgiving and remember those who are homeless, without jobs and especially those serving overseas and their families.
That’s all for now. Let me know your thoughts.
Drive fast, turn left and keep the shiny side up.
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