Posted by GEORGE June 2, 2009 6:00:55 PM
Jimmie Johnson reminded all of us last Sunday that he is the defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion, and he is going for a record-breaking fourth championship in a row. Jimmie looked like the drive who blew everyone away in The Chase last year as he took the checkered flag in the Autism Speaks 400 last weekend at Dover International Raceway.
Thanks to Tony Stewart, it was an exciting race right to the end, and the victory was undecided until three laps from the finish. Johnson had a strong car throughout the race, and it often looked like he had enough horsepower to lap the field. The Monster Mile was no match for the NASCAR champion, and he passed all contenders after the last caution to secure the victory. All the best drivers in NASCAR sometimes have a car like Johnson had at Dover It just happened to be Jimmie Johnson's turn.
A lackluster performance by Jeff Gordon cost "Mr NASCAR" the number one points position. The true test of a great NASCAR driver is when he is not given a winning car, but can still maintain his composure and finish well. This was not a great finish for Jeff Gordon, but he is still in the running for a good points finish prior to The Chase. It does appear that Gordon's back has been a problem for him the last few races, but Jeff will be there competing for the 2009 championship in November. But if Gordon's back continues to be a problem all season, it could hasten his retirement.
I still have mixed emotions about Dale Earnhardt Jr, but I felt he performed better with the new crew chief and improved communication. I believe that Dale Jr has what it takes to be more successful than he is right now, but he needs to aim all of his personal abilities toward the target. There are no more "outs" for him. Rick Hendrick has done his part to give Earnhardt Junior all he needs to win, and has removed the obstacles in his way. No success from here on out means that Dale Earnhardt Jr is either only as good as what we see right now, or his heart is not in it, and his head is not in the game. It's as simple as that NASCAR fans!
I received some feedback from a few of you in regard to my Top Ten NASCAR Drivers. Some of you agreed with me, for the most part, and some of you said I didn't know what the heck I was talking about. Check back with me on Thursday, and I'll share some of the feedback with you.
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