Jimmie Johnson Is A Machine
By Wyatt Earp | November 23, 2009
Jimmie Johnson made history yesterday. After clinching the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in Miami, he became the first driver in the sport’s 61 year history to win four consecutive titles.
There’s a reason no one has accomplished that feat before. Because with 43 drivers and two dozen superstars competing week in and week out, it’s difficult to win four races in a row, let alone four titles.
Smart on and off the track, Johnson is testing the shackles of imperfection, at least professionally. He’s won at least three races every year he’s been in the Cup Series, he’s never finished lower than fifth in the standings and now this, his fourth straight Cup championship – something no other driver has been able to do in NASCAR’s 61 years.
“I’ve always set my marks high … but I had no clue this would happen,” Johnson said. “I’m so honored, so happy, so fortunate, but at the same time, I’ve worked my entire life to be in this position. So has [crew chief] Chad [Knaus], so has [team owner] Rick [Hendrick]. It’s not that we backed into this. … We’ve gone out and worked really, really hard and dedicated our lives to it, and it’s paid off.”
Humble to the last, Johnson may not fully appreciate what he has done:
Before Sunday, only four organizations had won four straight championships: the Boston Celtics (1959-66), the New York Yankees (1936-39 and 1949-53), the Montreal Canadiens (1956-60 and 1976-79) and the N.Y. Islanders (1980-83).
Now, make it five. (H/T – Yahoo!)
Regular readers of SYLG know that my sons and I am a HUGE NASCAR fans. My personal driver hierarchy is as follows: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr, and Denny Hamlin. So, Johnson’s title run is a thrill for me. He is a tremendous talent and an even better person. Unlike a lot of other sports personalities, Johnson is polite, humble, and is never wrapped up in controversy. It would be hard to find a better face for auto racing anywhere on Earth.
Congratulations, Jimmie!
P.S. – Congratulations to The Godfather, aka my friend Bill, who won our NASCAR Fantasy league with 9,849 points. Variable Feedback took second, Swickster took third, and I took fourth.
Topics: Racing | 8 Comments »
If this guy goes on to F1, then and ONLY then is he a real Machine. F1 requires the greatest of driving skills, attention to detail, minute physiological input that makes all the difference, literally, between life and death at massive speeds, inches from the pavement. F1 drivers turn both RIGHT and LEFT, and vary their speeds from single digits to triple digits in seconds, and vice-versa.
This guy competes in F1? I might consider him, then.
BZ
BZ – There were rumors of F1 guys coming over to NASCAR. I wonder if Schumacher would consider that?
IF what BZ says is true, then Montoya should have won EVERY race… Johnson did good, no question; and ‘may’ have set a mark that will not be broken for a LONG time. I’m just pissed Mark Martin finished second yet again!
You tell em Old NFO. We are Americans and everything we do is better. It would sure be nice to see Martin win one, but second is not too bad.
Jimmie is the man! And easy on the eyes. Thanks for making my day with a little something for the women!
Old NFO – I was glad he finished second in 1998. Gordon won that year. Heh. I also think Montoya is a stud, and he’ll be contending for a long time.
Ingineer66 – I like Martin, but I like Gordon better. I would have had no problem with Martin winning this year, though. Good to see he’ll be coming back for a full season next year.
MeToo – You’re welcome. Lots of good looking guys in NASCAR nowadays.
Make ‘im turn right. His head’ll explode.
Johnson and Knaus have set the bar, they won fair and square. I’m a Mark Martin fan and have been pulling for him to win for years. I’m also a Cub fan, maybe that’s the problem.
Letr’s also give credit to Jeff Gordon. He was the guy that spotted Johnson in a Nationwide (or what ever it was called then) car at Darlington long before Johnson was a star. He pushed Hendricks and Lowes to sponsor Johnson and the rest is history. Gordon, like martin is a mentor and all three represent the best of Nascar.