Move over Reggie Jackson, NASCAR has its own answer to “Mr. October.” Can anyone deny Jimmie Johnson is the greatest driver of our decade? Johnson is putting together another dominating stretch run in what today looks like another trip to the trophy. With surgical precision, the two-time defending Cup series champion and his pit boss Chad Knaus had the answer for every situation today as Johnson captured his 6th victory of the year at Martinsville.
It becomes more and more obvious to me that Chad Knaus is the hardest working crew chief in NASCAR. He and Johnson have a strategy for every situation and the right adjustment for every condition. I can easily envision what has been likely happening on many nights over the last 5 or so seasons. Jimmie and Chad breaking down cars and strategy in some late night cafe, or out on the patio over a cool one. You can see it. They don’t really ask what they should do when Junior or Carl are bearing down on them- they KNOW what to do. I can’t help but think its the same sympatico that existed between Ray Evernham and Jeff Gordon, Jeff Hammond and Darrell Waltrip.
Yeah, I picked Gordon to win, but in my heart, I’d be lying if I didn’t say Jimmie’s dominance was no surprise whatsoever. We’ve seen this act before: Johnson is good “off the truck”- laying down crisp laps in practice and carrying it over to the race. Heck- his car was LOUSY last week and Johnson ran 6th.
How many drivers can do that? Only the great ones can.
Give Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon and Carl Edwards credit for making it at least a little interest. The “88″ and “99″ treated us to some good, hard, clean racing in their late dogfight for 2nd place.
Bummer for Jamie Mc Murray. Jamie had a sweet ride today before his car went gunny sack on him.
Poor Kyle Busch. He’s the “anti-Jimmie” right now. I’ve never seen such a complete reversal of fortunes for a driver once so dominant. And let’s be honest- it’s not his driving. Shrubs’ cars have been downright abysmal lately.
I really wouldn’t call myself a Jimmie Johnson fan. Those who know me well know my loyalties lie elsewhere. At the same time, I know history when I see it. Today- I truly believe Jimmie Johnson has the best shot of anyone in today’s NASCAR to equal or beat Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt’s share of 7 points titles.
Don’t get me wrong, about the only chasers that seem legitimately finished are the bottom 4 or 5. Jeff Burton, Greg Biffle, and maybe even Carl Edwards will be on hand to capitalize on any slip ups by Johnson. Let usnot forget, the 33-year-old was pretty pedestrian by Johnson standards in the early season.
By the same token, there’s an instinct that kicks in with the “48″ team when the leaves turn colors and the air gets crisper.
It’s go time!
This crew knows what it’s all about. They’ve been there before, and they’ll do it again.
