Unexplained Phenomenon APJimmie Johnson took home a NASCAR-record fourth consecutive championship with a fifth-place finish on Sunday.Jimmie Johnson's dynasty is in full bloom, but what makes him great? Joe Posnanski went on a search for answers but found that even Johnson himself can't offer a tidy explanation. Nov 23, 2009
Unlike other star sports figures, Jimmie Johnson's success not easy to explain ... "I always kind of thought I would do something great," Jimmie Johnson says ... -- Over and over again, I have asked people a simple question: Why is Jimmie Johnson better at racing stock cars than anyone else. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson enters record books with fourth straight championship Nov 23, 2009
- All Jimmie Johnson ever wanted was a chance to race with the best in NASCAR. Maybe even win a race or two ... - All Jimmie Johnson ever wanted was a chance to race with the best in NASCAR. Maybe even win a race or two. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Chairman praises Johnson's dominance Nov 22, 2009
- NASCAR chairman Brian France wants Jimmie Johnson to be commended for his four-year run atop NASCAR, and not used as an example of why the championship format might be flawed ... - NASCAR chairman Brian France wants Jimmie Johnson to be commended for his four-year run atop NASCAR, and not used as an example of why the championship format might be flawed. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Johnson and Martin take title race into finale Nov 22, 2009
Jimmie Johnson climbs from his car after practice for the NASCAR Ford 400 Sprint Cup series auto race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla ... (AP Photo/Terry Renna) Jimmie Johnson looks from his car during practice for the NASCAR Ford 400 Sprint Cup series auto race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla ... Jimmie Johnson, who takes a 108-point lead over Martin into Sunday's season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
NASCAR: It's a big day for Hendrick team, not just Johnson Nov 22, 2009
J. Pat Carter/Associated Press Not only is Jimmie Johnson, left, on the brink of winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Sprint Cup title this afternoon in Florida, but if form holds, Hendrick's Big Three -- Johnson, Jeff Gordon, center, and Mark Martin -- could give Hendrick Motorsports the first sweep of the top three spots in Cup history ... No matter if Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin leaves Homestead-Miami this afternoon with the Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship, Hendrick Motorsports... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Gordon wants to keep driving for Hendrick Nov 22, 2009
Hendrick, who locked up three-time defending Cup champion Jimmie Johnson through the 2015 season on Friday, said he expected Gordon to drive at least three or four more seasons before retiring. Hendrick has long said Gordon has a lifetime contract with Hendrick Motorsports. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnson takes pole at Homestead Nov 22, 2009
Jimmie Johnson smiles he waits to take practice laps Friday in Homestead, Fla ... Jimmie Johnson s run for his fourth straight Cup title starts from the pole ... (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 173. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Time to give Mark Martin his due Nov 22, 2009
He'll probably go down as the greatest driver never to win a championship, assuming the unexpected doesn't happen Sunday, Jimmie Johnson doesn't win in Homestead and Martin somehow overtakes him ... As Jimmie Johnson chased sleep in his South Beach hotel room this week, he mentally climbed into his race car and drove laps in a race he will finally run Sunday. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Busch clinches championship and wins at Homestead Nov 22, 2009
As Jimmie Johnson chased sleep in his South Beach hotel room this week, he mentally climbed into his race car and drove laps in a race he will finally run Sunday. NASCAR Sprint Cup speeds from the final practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Perception, potential and racing ahead Nov 22, 2009
Get ready to tie the ribbon and add the fancy bow, probably in the colors of Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet ... Question: Will even a fourth consecutive Cup championship, all but certain after the Ford 400 at Homestead on Sunday, evoke proper appreciation for the talents of Jimmie Johnson ... As Jimmie Johnson chased sleep in his South Beach hotel room this week, he mentally climbed into his race car and drove laps in a race he will finally run Sunday. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Rivalry, roughness and revenge – Oh, my! Really? Nov 22, 2009
Rivalry, roughness and revenge Oh, my. - Racing - NewsObserver. (News & Observer -- Sports)
A twin win for Harvicks in Trucks Series finale Nov 21, 2009
Jimmie Johnson could get there Sunday, if he wins his fourth straight Chase crown. History, though, mattered little to Hornaday on Friday night. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
JJ aside, bank on Biffle at Homestead Nov 21, 2009
While much of the focus this weekend will be on Jimmie Johnson's pending fourth straight championship, do not expect to see the No. 48 blowing the doors off the competition like it did at Phoenix ... Biffle won three straight races at the Florida track from 2004 to 2006, putting together a streak similar to the dominance Jimmie Johnson showed at Lowe's Motor Speedway earlier this decade ... Expect Martin to drive the race of his life at Homestead (like Carl Edwards did last year in Chase of... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson takes pole Nov 21, 2009
Three-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson is just one race away from earning his unprecedented fourth consecutive championship ... (AP) -Jimmie Johnson's run for his fourth straight Cup title starts from the pole. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson to start from pole at Homestead on Sunday Nov 21, 2009
- Jimmie Johnson will go for his fourth straight Cup title from the pole ... - Jimmie Johnson will go for his fourth straight Cup title from the pole. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Mike's Garage: Johnson's dominance unmatched in NASCAR history Nov 21, 2009
By Mike McCourt NASCAR Columnist Friday, November 20, 2009 10:30 AM EST History will be made Sunday afternoon when Jimmie Johnson takes the Sprint Cup Championship for the forth time in four years ... Carl Edwards would be my next pick to have a chance to chop down this big redwood called Jimmie Johnson. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
MarkBeechRacing Fan This is the worst season of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Cup career Nov 21, 2009
Such totals would represent a bad season for Jimmie Johnson ... 25 Worst finish Jimmie Johnson could have at Homestead if he is to retain his lead in the Cup standings. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Best Ever? Robert Laberge/Getty Images for NASCARJimmie Johnson will not rest until Sunday's race at Homestead is over and he has been crowned Cup champion.Jimmie Johnson will make NASCAR history on Sunday at Homestead-Miami, writes Lars Anderson. The driver is prepared for anything to happen and absolutely refuses to lose. Nov 21, 2009
Jimmie Johnson will be 2009NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion - Lars Anderson - SI.com ... Jimmie Johnson leads the Chase by 118 points heading into the final race of the season ... The start of the first practice session for NASCAR's season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway was still five minutes away on Friday and Jimmie Johnson, Chad Knaus, and Ron Malec -- the core of the No. 48 dynasty -- couldn't have appeared more relaxed. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
2009 Sprint Cup Series Schedule Nov 21, 2009
March 29: Goody's Cool Orange 500 Martinsville; Jimmie Johnson ... May 31: Best Buy 400 Dover; Jimmie Johnson ... July 26: Allstate 400 at The Brickyard Indianapolis; Jimmie Johnson. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Mark Martin says 2009 best year of his life Nov 21, 2009
No matter where Martin finishes in the final standings, the 50-year-old driver said 2009 has been the best year of his life (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Hes NASCAR's Tiger Nov 21, 2009
Jason Smith / Getty Images for NASCARJimmie Johnson is just one race away from winning an unprecedented fourth straight Sprint Cup championship title ... Three-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson is just one race away from earning his unprecedented fourth consecutive championship ... Watching Jimmie Johnson, especially in the Chase, is a lot like watching Woods in golf's majors. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson to start title drive up front at Homestead Nov 21, 2009
Jimmie Johnson has reason to smile after qualifying first at Homestead-Miami Speedway ... Jimmie Johnson might seem the last person who would merit comparisons to the Stuart Smalley character whose daily affirmations were a staple of Saturday Night Live skits 20 years ago. (USA Today -- Sports)
Johnson Grabs Pole At Homestead, Martin Qualifies Fourth Nov 21, 2009
(Sports Network) - Jimmie Johnson kicked off his probable championship weekend by winning Friday's qualifying for the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Johnson, who placed 21st in the only practice of the day , turned a blistering lap around the 1. (ABC 7 News, DC)
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)
Hendrick on verge of historic 1-2-3 finish Nov 20, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports drivers, from left, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Mark Martin ... No matter if Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin leaves Homestead-Miami on Sunday with the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, Hendrick Motorsports which owns both cars will have plenty to celebrate. (Longview Daily News, WA)
For Hendrick, a 1-2-3 finish might make history Nov 20, 2009
A record-tying ninth NASCAR title, either from Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin. And it'll be Rick Hendrick's 12th series title overall, which will break another record. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Johnson poised to break historic NASCAR reco... Nov 20, 2009
If Jimmie Johnson finishes 25th or better in the finale of the Sprint Cup season, he will become the first driver in NASCAR history to win four straight championships ... Jimmie Johnson: No active driver is better at reading his car and ordering changes from the cockpit than the former off-road racer. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
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 ... No matter if Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin leaves Homestead-Miami on Sunday with the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship,... (Athens Banner-Herald)
A Checkered Future for Nascar? Nov 20, 2009
As the 2009 season winds down to its final laps at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and the Chase for the Sprint Cup appears all but locked up for would-be four-time winner Jimmie Johnson, Nascar Chairman and CEO Brian France is focused on image issues surrounding his down-home sport. And France's sister, Lesa France Kennedy, says goodbye, for now, to Nascar's longtime dream of a New York City track. (BusinessWeek)
Hendrick looks for 1-2-3 sweep Nov 20, 2009
MARY SCHWALM - AP Either Jimmie Johnson (48) or Mark Martin (5) will win the Sprint Cup championship Sunday at Homestead-Miami for Hendrick Motorsports ... No matter if Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin leaves Homestead-Miami on Sunday with the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship, Hendrick Motorsports - which owns both cars - will have plenty to celebrate ... Jimmie Johnson, three days and 400 miles from a record fourth straight championship, spent hours talking about it Thursday. (News & Observer -- Sports)
BrantJamesInside Nascar For Jimmie Johnson, the PR whirl is just a background buzz. Nov 20, 2009
Jimmie Johnson has lived through a series of public relations stunts ... Jimmie Johnson's had to put aside a multitude of distractions on his drive to his fourth title ... Jimmie Johnson leaned out the window of the black sport utility vehicle and waved in the general direction of the guy screaming his name over the din of horns and diesel trucks. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Knaus succeeding by learning how to handle failure Nov 19, 2009
Chad Knaus, the most relentless crew chief in NASCAR, has Jimmie Johnson on the verge of a record fourth consecutive championship ... Knaus, the most intense crew chief in NASCAR, is one step from guiding driver Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team to a record fourth consecutive Cup championship. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Q&A WITH DALE EARNHARDT JR. Nov 19, 2009
Quick hits: Jimmie Johnson needs to finish 25th or better to hold off Mark Martin for his fourth straight Cup title. The last five Homestead races have been won by Roush Fenway Racing Fords. (USA Today -- Sports)
Jimmie Johnson Nov 19, 2009
Motor Sports - Photos - USATODAY.com. Now the 34-year-old driver stands poised to etch his name in the history books by surpassing stock-car legend Cale Yarborough with a fourth straight title in NASCAR's top series. (USA Today -- Sports)
TomBowlesNascar Power Rankings Johnson tops Power Rankings with one week left in Chase. Nov 18, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Kurt Busch top NASCAR Power Rankings - Tom Bowles - SI.com ... Jimmie Johnson only needs a 25th place finish to clinch the 2009 Chase ... Jimmie Johnson One week after its worst nightmare, the No. 48 team demonstrated why it has won three consecutive championships. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Mercedes acquires F1 team Brawn GP Nov 17, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Mon, Nov 16, 2009 06:56 PMModified Mon, Nov 16, 2009 06:57 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Ratings down for ABC's Phoenix race coverage Nov 17, 2009
Jimmie Johnson works is way around the one-mile Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz ... With his victory at Phoenix on Sunday, Jimmie Johnson has all but clinched his spot in NASCAR history. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson rolls at PIR Nov 16, 2009
Take a deep breath, Jimmie Johnson fans ... Jimmie Johnson celebrates his win during the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009 at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson joins most-dominant talk Nov 16, 2009
At the very least, NASCAR's Jimmie Johnson belongs in the discussion. After another dominating performance at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday in the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500, Johnson has all but assured his fourth consecutive Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson cruising into finale after Phoenix victory Nov 16, 2009
Jimmie Johnson celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 race at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz ... Jimmie Johnson won't plan any parties this week, or waste a minute pondering his place in NASCAR history ... "I definitely have been beat by the best _ Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt. It wouldn't embarrass me if it was Jimmie Johnson as well.Jeff Burton finished second and was followed by Denny Hamlin,... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnson wins at Phoenix, closes in on title Nov 16, 2009
Jimmie Johnson's crew cheers him on as he does a burnout after winning the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 race at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale, Ariz ... With his fourth victory at Phoenix International Raceway in the past five races and fourth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Jimmie Johnson has all but clinched his spot in NASCAR history ... (3) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 312 laps, 149. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Rewind | OK, so now Stewart's a mellow fellow? Nov 16, 2009
The scariest thing about Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus for their rivals is that they show no sign of slowing down ... Jimmie Johnson leads his first lap of the race, picking up another five bonus points ... Who says Jimmie Johnson is underrated. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Victory lane: Roundup of the Auto Parts 500 Nov 16, 2009
Winner: Jimmie Johnson, 34, El Cajon, Calif ... (3) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 312, $267,001 ... Who says Jimmie Johnson is underrated. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Busch, Tryson continue to race hard Nov 16, 2009
If Busch had brought his car home where he d been running, he d be a whole lot closer than 171 points behind leader Jimmie Johnson. I m kicking myself for what happened, he said. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnson wins, back in Chase control Nov 16, 2009
Jimmie Johnson celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' race Sunday ... Three-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson suffered a big hit in his points lead heading into the second-to-last Chase race ... - When a fluke accident cost Jimmie Johnson a huge chunk of his points lead, he knew there was no more room for error in his bid to win a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson wins at Phoenix to cruise into finale Nov 16, 2009
Jimmie Johnson celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 auto race at Phoenix International Raceway on Sunday ... Jimmie Johnson has moved closer to a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship with a dominating win at Phoenix International Raceway. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Johnson now on verge of NASCAR history Nov 16, 2009
- When a fluke accident cost Jimmie Johnson a huge chunk of his points lead, he knew there was no more room for error in his bid to win a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship ... - When a fluke accident cost Jimmie Johnson a huge chunk of his points lead, he knew there was no more room for error in his bid to win a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship ... jpg Associated Press Jimmie Johnson won Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 to take a 108-point lead heading into next... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Change the rules Nov 16, 2009
To me, the 2009 season is complete, Jimmie Johnson will be a four time champion and Mark Martin will record is fifth runner up finish. Oh, I will still watch the final three races, but the excitement is gone. (Atmore Advance, AL)
Martin OK with second this time Nov 15, 2009
jpg Associated Press Mark Martin is 73 points behind Jimmie Johnson in the Chase standings with two races left. Associated Press Mark Martin is 73 points behind Jimmie Johnson in the Chase standings with two races left ... He's 73 points behind Jimmie Johnson and his quest for a NASCAR-record fourth consecutive championship. (Athens Banner-Herald)
TomBowlesInside Nascar Carl Edwards discusses Texas, Bob Barker and dating fans. Nov 15, 2009
Edwards says he is enjoying the battle between Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin. Carl Edwards' wreck at Texas officially ended his championship hopes. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
LarsAndersonInside Nascar Mark Martin is out to end his hex and Jimmie Johnson's streak. Nov 15, 2009
Mark Martin wants to beat Jimmie Johnson in 2009 Chase - Lars Anderson - SI.com ... Sitting 73 points behind Jimmie Johnson, Martin needs strong showing to close gap ... With two races left, Mark Martin hopes to overtake Jimmie Johnson and win the 2009 Sprint Cup Series. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Roush teams ready for season to end Nov 15, 2009
Even though Jimmie Johnson won the fall race at Phoenix International Raceway, Carl Edwards had won eight races during the season and still had a chance to win the championship the next week at Homestead, Fla. trailing Johnson by 141 points. (News & Observer -- Sports)
2009 Sprint Cup Series Schedule Nov 15, 2009
March 29: Goody's Cool Orange 500 Martinsville; Jimmie Johnson ... May 31: Best Buy 400 Dover; Jimmie Johnson ... July 26: Allstate 400 at The Brickyard Indianapolis; Jimmie Johnson. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Incentive? They're still racing, right? Nov 14, 2009
Jimmie Johnson has such a stranglehold on the championship that it's out of reach for every driver besides Mark Martin. And his only chance would likely require a major stumble by the points leader. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Mark Martin says 2009 best year of his life Nov 14, 2009
No matter where Martin finishes in the final standings, the 50-year-old driver said 2009 has been the best year of his life (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Johnson says he blamed Hornish a little too much Nov 14, 2009
Upon further review, Jimmie Johnson believes he probably blamed Sam Hornish Jr. a little too much for their costly accident last week at Texas Motor Speedway. Johnson wrecked three laps into the race after contact with Hornish, forcing a total rebuild of his car. (Longview Daily News, WA)
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)
Truex takes pole in Arizona Nov 14, 2009
Jimmie Johnson couldn t wait to get back in his No. 48 Chevrolet after wrecking last weekend at Texas after just three laps ... (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 134. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Nascar: Nos. 1-2 start 1-2 in race Nov 14, 2009
Defending three-time series champion Jimmie Johnson qualified third, and was followed by Kasey Kahne and Denny Hamlin. Mark Martin, who trails Johnson by 71 points in the standings with two races remaining, qualified 10th. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Truex on pole, Johnson third at PIR Nov 14, 2009
The Jimmie Johnson and Mark Martin show took a backseat Friday to a driver in search of a headline. On Friday in Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 qualifying at Phoenix International Raceway, Martin Truex Jr. got a doozy. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Mike's Garage: NASCAR changes adversely affect racing at Talladega Nov 14, 2009
Or can we chalk up number four in a row for Jimmie Johnson ... 5-mile TMS. Teammate Jimmie Johnson was right behind in the No. 2 slot. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Job toll mounts as Petty merger with Yates advances Nov 13, 2009
What does Jimmie Johnson have to do to clinch. Well, at Phoenix, where he arrives 73 points up, he d have to gain 122 more in the race. (News & Observer -- Sports)
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)
DRIVER DIARY: Biffle targets concrete goals in final races Nov 13, 2009
2008 winner: Jimmie Johnson. Quick hits: Johnson had won three straight Phoenix races before Mark Martin snapped his streak in April. (USA Today -- Sports)
