Posted by GEORGE October 22, 2009 10:21:01 AM
Other than Hendrick Motorsports fans, who would have guessed that Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, and Jeff Gordon would be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in points towards the end of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season? Not me! I might have bought the fact that they would all be in the top ten, but not pulling off a tri-fecta.
With the exception of Dale Earnhardt Jr, Hendrick Motorsports has made the statement that they are, by far, the best team in NASCAR Sprint Cup Racing today. I think Jimmie Johnson has overtaken Kyle Busch as the current best driver in NASCAR, but the success of all three teams can be credited to the garage and pit crews of all three drivers. The question no longer remains of which is more important: The driver, or the team? Johnson, Martin, or Gordon driving for another team today would definitely not fair as well, and would not be sitting in the first three slots in The NASCAR Chase points standings.
With all due respect for Earnhardt Jr, the number 88 car should also be up there, which favors the side of the fans who think the driver is most important to the team's success. But Junior's case is not normal, by any stretch of the imagination, and you need to throw out the lows of each team when considering who is the best. In Hendrick Motorsports case, even if you throw out the high and the low, they're still ranked 1st and 2nd!
Rick Hendrick has put it all together, and has assembled the best of the best when it comes to equipment, engineers, pit crew members, and design people. The only mar on the finish of the business is the number 88 car. Notice I said the car, I did not say the driver. Dale Jr is not a top ten driver, but then again, I can say that about a couple of drivers who did make The Chase. Given the right stuff, Jr could be in The Chase this year. I am not saying that Hendrick gave Earnhardt inferior equipment. What I am saying is that they have not put it all together for Earnhardt, and for Earnhardt to do well, he must have perfect stuff to drive.
Hendrick Motorssports will be the force to contend with in years to come. Lesser teams will get closer to the success of Hendrick, but Hendrick teams will be tough to catch.
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