Johnson Signs Extension With Hendrick Through 2015 Nov 21, 2009
" Knaus' current contract is through the 2010 season, and he and Johnson have been partnered since Johnson's 2002 rookie year. "I think our goal and everybody's on the same page, keeping this thing together for the foreseeable future," Hendrick said. The Johnson extension locks up Hendrick's lineup in the Cup Series for the next several years. Martin this season agreed to a two-year extension through 2011, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has three years remaining on his contract and Hendrick said four-time... (KFOXTV.com, TX)
A twin win for Harvicks in Trucks Series finale Nov 21, 2009
Hornaday joined an elite list of drivers who have four national series championships, joining names like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. Jimmie Johnson could get there Sunday, if he wins his fourth straight Chase crown. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Mike's Garage: NASCAR changes adversely affect racing at Talladega Nov 20, 2009
Jeff Gordon claimed the victory lane back in April at the 1. 5-mile TMS. Teammate Jimmie Johnson was right behind in the No. 2 slot. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
BrantJamesInside Nascar For Jimmie Johnson, the PR whirl is just a background buzz. Nov 20, 2009
Jeff Gordon was NASCAR's original king of the big city, taking up part-time residence in New York, basking in the odd anonymity only eight million neighbors can provide, yet enjoying the benefits of life in the world's capital of culture and fame. Johnson, who is of decidedly middle class upbringing in El Cajon, Calif. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
How far back is too far? And who's hot vs. who's not Nov 20, 2009
JEFF GORDON: Just couldn't close the deal late in races this season. BRAD KESELOWSKI/DENNY HAMLIN FEUD: Brad won't let up and Hamlin won't let it go. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Who's hot and who's (or what's) not Nov 20, 2009
JEFF GORDON: Just couldn't close the deal late in races this season ... AVONDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, waits in the garage before practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 14, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Hendrick looks for 1-2-3 sweep Nov 20, 2009
Johnson, Martin and Jeff Gordon, all of whom race under the Hendrick flag, enter the finale 1-2-3 in the standings. If they finish in those spots, Hendrick Motorsports would become the first team in NASCAR history to truly pull off that feat. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson poised to break historic NASCAR reco... Nov 20, 2009
Jeff Gordon: Won his four championships between 1995 and 2001. But NASCAR's sixth-leading race winner has been eclipsed by the driver he brought to the sport Johnson. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Hendrick on verge of historic 1-2-3 finish Nov 20, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports drivers, from left, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Mark Martin ... Johnson, Martin and Jeff Gordon, all of whom race under the Hendrick flag, enter the finale 1-2-3 in the standings. (Longview Daily News, WA)
For Hendrick, a 1-2-3 finish might make history Nov 20, 2009
Jeff Gordon, who also drives under the Hendrick Motorsports flag, is third. The only time one ownership team has finished 1-2-3 for the year. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Hendrick team hunts history Nov 20, 2009
jpg Associated Press Hendrick Motorsports drivers, from left, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin occupy the top three spots in the standings heading into the season;s final race. Associated Press Hendrick Motorsports drivers, from left, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin occupy the top three spots in the standings heading into the season;s final race ... Johnson, Martin and Jeff Gordon, all of whom race under the Hendrick flag, enter the finale 1-2-3 in the standings. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Johnson: NASCAR success not just fueled by format Nov 20, 2009
I really didn t like it myself, said Bobby Allison, grand marshal of Sunday s Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where Jimmie Johnson will attempt to join Petty, Dale Earnhardt, and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon as the only four-time champions and become the first to win four Sprint Cup championships in a row. However, I can t say that it was not good for the sport, Allison said. (Boston Globe)
Britt, 62, remembered as Darlington icon Nov 19, 2009
Web Search power 00004000 ed by YAHOO. Published Wed, Nov 18, 2009 10:51 PMModified Wed, Nov 18, 2009 10:51 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
F1 champ Button teams up with Hamilton at McLaren Nov 19, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Wed, Nov 18, 2009 08:13 AMModified Wed, Nov 18, 2009 12:26 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Owner's title still on in Truck Series Nov 18, 2009
He also joined Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon as those drivers who have won four or more NASCAR titles ... Jeff Gordon, currently third in points (-169), officially will be eliminated from championship contention when Johnson starts the 400-mile race in South Florida. (News & Observer -- Sports)
TomBowlesNascar Power Rankings Johnson tops Power Rankings with one week left in Chase. Nov 18, 2009
Jeff Gordon With a ninth-place run at Phoenix, Gordon's "Drive For Five" was postponed for an eighth straight year, a streak that's more frustrating for the sport's winningest active driver than he'd like to admit. While most would kill to be third in points, it's not difficult to sense the frustration of a four-time champ who sees himself as third-best within his own organization. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Owner's Title Still On The Line At Homestead Nov 18, 2009
He also joined Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon as those drivers who have won four or more NASCAR titles. Homestead will mark a career milestone for Hornaday, as he will make his 250th career Truck Series start. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Johnson wins, back in Chase control Nov 16, 2009
Fellow Hendrick driver Jeff Gordon will be eliminated as soon as Johnson starts next week, and Johnsons win at Phoenix knocked everyone else out of contention ... Weve still got to go to Homestead and run like this again, because we still have heat behind us, Jeff Gordon, especially, Martin said ... I definitely have been beat by the best Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Victory lane: Roundup of the Auto Parts 500 Nov 16, 2009
(14) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 312, $120,326. 10. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Rewind | OK, so now Stewart's a mellow fellow? Nov 16, 2009
Although out of the championship hunt, Busch still believes he can catch Jeff Gordon and is looking to end the season with a win ... AVONDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 15: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 Dupont Chevrolet, leads a line of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona ... TALLADEGA, AL - OCTOBER 30: Jeff Gordon (L), driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, stands in the garage with Tony Stewart,... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson joins most-dominant talk Nov 16, 2009
He seemingly opened a window of opportunity for his closest pursuers, Hendrick Motorsports teammates Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon, when he crashed 3 laps into last week's race at Texas Motor Speedway. But Johnson slammed their fingers in that window Sunday, taking his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet past Kurt Busch for his first lead on Lap 56. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson wins at Phoenix, closes in on title Nov 16, 2009
Lead-lap cars pitted, with Johnson coming off pit road first, followed by Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch ... (14) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 312, 103. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Martin OK with second this time Nov 15, 2009
"I'm such a huge are Mark Martin fan, always have been," Jeff Gordon said. "I battled with this guy in championships. He's such a tough competitor, and I feel like he deserves it. "I think that Mark Martin is a sentimental favorite, for sure. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Truex on pole, Johnson third at PIR Nov 14, 2009
" Truex, who only two seasons ago made the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, fell far off the radar screen this season after finishing 15th last year and enters Sunday's 312-lap race No. 26 in the drivers standings. That's 25 positions behind Johnson, who is attempting to collar an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship. Johnson leads Martin by 73 points, but a week ago at Texas Motor Speedway it was a 184-point lead. Then, Lap 3 came and to Johnson it must have felt like Armageddon as his... (AZCentral -- Sports)
The Sprint Cup lineup at Phoenix Nov 14, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Fri, Nov 13, 2009 10:32 PMModified Fri, Nov 13, 2009 10:15 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Martin won't admit it, but he has a shot Nov 14, 2009
Martin and teammate Jeff Gordon received a gift Sunday when another teammate, Jimmie Johnson, crashed on the third lap at Texas Motor Speedway. Having entered the race with a 184-point deficit, Martin goes to Phoenix this weekend just 73 points behind leader Johnson. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnson making most of lessons learned from Gordon Nov 13, 2009
Daily Journal Online - Park Hills, MO. The two drivers have become good friends in the eight years since Johnson joined Hendrick Motorsports, with Gordon spending many hours explaining the finer points of stock car racing and offering plenty of advice to his eager pupil. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Nascar: Gordon's time aids Johnson Nov 13, 2009
Jeff Gordon was on the verge of winning his fourth NASCAR championship as a driver when he made his debut as a co-owner and teammate for an unproven driver named Jimmie Johnson. The two drivers have become good friends in the eight years since Johnson joined Hendrick Motorsports, with Gordon spending many hours explaining the finer points of stock-car racing and offering plenty of advice to his eager pupil. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
NASCAR - Sprint Cup - Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Preview Nov 12, 2009
24 Jeff Gordon (Vallejo, CA) Chevrolet/DuPont ... Not to be overlooked is Jeff Gordon inthird, only 112 points behind ... Pole sitter Jeff Gordon was out in front for thefirst three laps and finished fourth. (News & Observer -- Sports)
A Step Above Rusty Jarrett/Getty ImagesPoints leader Jimmie Johnson is on his way to winning his fourth-straight Chase championship.No one has been as dominant as Jimmie Johnson has been over the last four years. Lars Anderson writes that's just one reason he's nominating Johnson as his Sportsman of the Year. Nov 12, 2009
Jeff Gordon, for instance, has been in several horrifying wrecks over the last five years -- more than any other driver. I don't think it's a coincidence that he hasn't won a championship over this time. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson's Chase challengers can't keep pace Nov 12, 2009
Jeff Gordon, third in points, 112 out: His Chase got off to a bad start with a mediocre 15th-place finish in the New Hampshire opener that stuck him in a significant hole. But he ran great the next five weeks, grabbing five finishes of sixth or better, including two second-places. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Martin's optimism gives him winning edge Nov 12, 2009
Jeff Gordon won the championship and had 13 wins. Close behind was Martin, with seven wins. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Driver notes Nov 12, 2009
Team notes: NASCAR heads to desert for next-to-last race - USATODAY.com. Team notes: NASCAR heads to desert for next-to-last race. (USA Today -- Sports)
TomBowlesNascar Power Rankings He crashed in Texas, but Jimmie Johnson won't lose the Chase. Nov 11, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Jeff GordontopNASCAR Power Rankings - Tom Bowles - SI.com ... Jeff Gordon Ready for your SAT question ... Under the old points format, he'd be leading Jeff Gordon by 93 and Jimmie Johnson by 94 heading to Phoenix, with that Lap 3 wreck opening a window to his third Cup Series title. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Drivers get by with help from friends Nov 11, 2009
- The top three drivers in the Chase for the Championship are Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon ... - The top three drivers in the Chase for the Championship are Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Kurt Busch wins as leader wrecks, Chase tightens Nov 10, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Roy's new book: Read an from "Hard Work: A Life On and Off the Court". (News & Observer -- Sports)
Chase far from being settled with two races to go Nov 10, 2009
The view from Johnson's rearview mirror has Hendrick Motorsports teammates Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon closing in with two races remaining on the schedule. Martin finished fourth and moved to within 73 points of Johnson, and Gordon narrowed his gap to 112 markers after a 13th-place run. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Jimmie Johnson Wrecks on 3rd Lap in Texas Nov 10, 2009
It looked like a makeshift body shop in the garage area, with crew members from teammate Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. helping out. All were scurrying around a car that was basically being rebuilt. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Updated – and unofficial – driver standings Nov 10, 2009
Updated and unofficial driver standings - Racing - NewsObserver. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (News & Observer -- Sports)
LarsAndersonInside Nascar Why Mark Martin's bid at winning the title suddenly looks brighter. Nov 10, 2009
Martin didn't take full advantage of Johnson's crash, but he certainly didn't pull a Jeff Gordon either. Gordon is no doubt kicking himself today because of the opportunity he missed at Texas. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Johnsons wreck helps Kurt Busch win Nov 9, 2009
Jeff Gordon, another Hendrick driver who is third in points, finished 13th after avoiding serious problems of his own. He cut his points deficit to Johnson from 192 to 112 points, though lost ground on Martin. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Kurt breaks up Kyle's triple Nov 9, 2009
Jeff Gordon, who won the spring race at Texas, spun once during the race, struggled with handling and finished 13th. That left Mark Martin, who entered the race trailing Johnson by 184 points for the championship, back in the hunt, down 73 with two races remaining. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Kurt Busch claims win; Johnson crashes to 38th Nov 9, 2009
He also benefited from Jeff Gordon struggling to a 13th-place finish ... (1) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 333, 84. (Longview Daily News, WA)
2009 Sprint Cup Series Schedule Nov 9, 2009
April 5: Samsung 500 Texas; Jeff Gordon. April 18: Subway Fresh Fit 500 Phoenix; Mark Martin. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Rewind | Racing to win? Category may be the key Nov 9, 2009
Denny Hamlin made some interesting prerace comments on his Twitter account regarding Jeff Gordon s decision to ask NASCAR to restrict the bump-drafting at Talladega ... Jeff Gordon spins out as well but doesn t hit the wall. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Today's race lineup Nov 8, 2009
(24) Jeff Gordon, Chevy, 191 ... In many ways, this has been one of Jeff Gordon's best seasons in NASCAR's top series. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Martin, Gordon accept reality of Chase for second Nov 8, 2009
FORT WORTH, Texas - Mathematically, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon still have a chance to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup title ... "Since then, I have learned a lot and I have seen a lot and I have come to realize that I'm no Dale Earnhardt. My record don't stand up to his, just doesn't. And when you stand me up against Jeff Gordon, it just don't stand up to it. I understand that.". (Athens Banner-Herald)
Gordon earns pole at Texas, his first of season Nov 8, 2009
Jeff Gordon sits in his car just before qualifying at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, on Friday ... FORT WORTH, Texas Jeff Gordon is suddenly having all kind of success at Texas Motor Speedway, a track where he had never won until earlier this season ... (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 191. (Longview Daily News, WA)
From backflip to backslide Nov 8, 2009
Johnson was second at Texas in April behind Hendrick teammate Jeff Gordon, who is the pole-sitter today. Martin, another Hendrick driver, qualified seventh and Johnson starts 12th. (Boston Globe)
Martin, Gordon know the Chase race is for second Nov 7, 2009
FORT WORTH, Texas Mathematically, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon still have a chance to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup title ... My record don t stand up to his, just doesn t. And when you stand me up against Jeff Gordon, it just don t stand up to it. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Gordon earns pole at Texas Nov 7, 2009
FORT WORTH, Texas - Jeff Gordon is suddenly having all kind of success at Texas Motor Speedway, a track where he had never won until earlier this season. Gordon captured his first pole of the season, waiting until the second-to-last race to extend his streak of 17 consecutive seasons with a pole, with a qualifying lap of 191. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Gordon says prohibiting bump-drafting helped racing at Talladega Nov 7, 2009
FORT WORTH, Texas Jeff Gordon admitted Friday he was one of several Sprint Cup drivers who went to NASCAR last weekend and asked series officials to prohibit bump-drafting through the corners at Talladega (Ala. Superspeedway. (Longview Daily News, WA)
NASCAR changes adversely affect racing at Talladega Nov 7, 2009
Jeff Gordon claimed the victory lane back in April at the 1. 5-mile TMS. Teammate Jimmie Johnson was right behind in the No. 2 slot. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Patrick remains driven Nov 7, 2009
When Hendrick scored a coup two years ago by signing Earnhardt to a five-year contract, his star-studded collection of drivers - which includes four-time champion Jeff Gordon and reigning champion Jimmie Johnson, who is on the cusp of winning an unprecedented fourth in a row - were characterized as the New York Yankees of NASCAR.. Now, it appears Hendrick is swinging for the fences again. (Boston Globe)
People skills key to the success of Hendrick Motorsports Nov 6, 2009
Teammates Jimmie Johnson (48), Mark Martin (not pictured) and Jeff Gordon (24) could help Hendrick Motorsports become the first organization with a 1-2-3 finish in the NASCAR Chase ... Four drivers have entered all 17 Cup races at the Fort Worth track: Jeff Burton, Jeff Gordon, Bobby Labonte and Mark Martin. (USA Today -- Sports)
Meyers, Schatz battling for lead Nov 5, 2009
Johnson avoided the big one -- a 13-car pileup -- on the second to last lap and finished sixth, allowing him to take a 184-point lead over Mark Martin and a 192-point advantage over Jeff Gordon with three races remaining ... Johnson edged Kasey Kahne out of the pits during the final round of stops and then held off Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon in three late-race restarts for his Sprint Cup Series-leading sixth victory of the season. (Fresno Bee)
That Vanilla Problem Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesJimmie Johnson needs only three 10th-place finishes or better to win his fourth-straight Chase title.The world's greatest driver grew up in a trailer park. He gets carsick. He's friendly and charming. So why, Joe Posnanski writes, do people criticize him for being too boring? Nov 5, 2009
Also more than Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon combined. As Gordon says, "No one is even close." Or as Martin says, "He's Superman." And it grows more apparent, year after year, victory after victory, championship after championship, that no one who has climbed into a stock car -- not the good ol' boys or the moonshiners, not the intimidators or the kings, not the fireballs or the silver foxes or the men named Cale -- has ever driven it better than Jimmie Johnson. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Time to address Talladega issues Nov 3, 2009
"Opinions vary wildly on how to fix the issue.Earnhardt likes the idea of a smaller engine incapable of hitting 200-plus mph, an option that would allow the removal of the restrictor plates and create separation in the field. But in this economy, it would be difficult for NASCAR to ask teams to spend millions on developing specific motors that would be used only at the four annual plate races at Daytona and Talladega.Four-time series champion Jeff Gordon is pressing for aerodynamic modifications... (News & Observer -- Sports)
McMurray snaps 86-race winless streak; Johnson builds on lead Nov 2, 2009
"I think we all know that's what's going to happen when we come to Talladega," said Jeff Gordon, who first ran out of gas and then wrecked all in a five-lap span ... "AMP Energy 500 Results1. (22) Jamie McMurray, Ford, 191 laps, 99.4 rating, 195 points, 229,275.2. (11) Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 191, 75.1, 175, 212,098.3. (20) Joey Logano, Toyota, 191, 91.2, 170, 184,301.4. (8) Greg Biffle, Ford, 191, 77.5, 160, 142,500.5. (18) Jeff Burton, Chevrolet, 191, 100.8, 160, 156,706.6. (1) Jimmie Johnson,... (Longview Daily News, WA)
McMurray Wins At Talladega; Johnson Widens Points Lead Nov 2, 2009
Johnson padded his lead to 187 points over Martin and 204 ahead of Jeff Gordon, who finished 22nd. McMurray scored his third career Cup victory, but his first since July 2008 at Daytona. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Engineering – and dodging – disaster again at 'Dega Nov 2, 2009
Bumper cars at 190 mph, Jeff Gordon would say later after his car got destroyed. I don t think anybody wants to be out there and involved in what happens at the end, said Dale Earnhardt Jr., who finished 11th and missed both of the major late crashes. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Rewind | Commentary and more from Sunday's race Nov 2, 2009
AP Greg Biffle (16), Jeff Gordon (24) and Mark Martin (5) draft behind Brad Keselowski (09) and Denny Hamlin (11) during the AMP Energy 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala ... TALLADEGA, AL - NOVEMBER 01: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AMP Energy 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on November 1, 2009 in Talladega, Alabama. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Column: NASCAR's nipping and tucking won't fix Talladega Nov 2, 2009
"Bumper cars at 190 mph," Jeff Gordon would say later after his car got destroyed. "I don't think anybody wants to be out there and involved in what happens at the end," said Dale Earnhardt Jr., who finished 11th and missed both of the major late crashes. (Longview Daily News, WA)
McMurray snaps 86-race winless streak Nov 2, 2009
AP Photo Greg Biffle (16), Jeff Gordon (24) and Mark Martin (5) draft behind Brad Keselowski (09) and Denny Hamlin (11) during the AMP Energy 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009, at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala ... "I think we all know that's what's going to happen when we come to Talladega," said Jeff Gordon, who first ran out of gas and then wrecked - all in a five-lap span. (News & Observer -- Sports)
McMurray ends skid; Johnsonnears title Nov 2, 2009
I think we all know thats whats going to happen when we come to Talladega, said Jeff Gordon, who first ran out of gas and then wrecked all in a five-lap span. Jamie McMurray was the surprise winner, snapping an 86-race winless streak by leading 32 late laps and holding on in a race that ended under caution. (MSNBC -- Sports)
