JJ did it in style

[smyler]

Nobody seems to want to mention it but I will.  I congratulate Jimmie Johnson for his record setting 4th Cup title in a row.  He did exactly what he had to do and seems to have earned the admiration of most of the drivers and many of the fans.  Yeah, he's plain vanilla but vanilla is ok too. 

I remember back when Jeff was winning so many races, it seemed like he and Ray were doing everything right.  Nobody was close to as good as they were at times.  Here we are a decade later and nobody is close to Jimmie and Chad.  Mark had a good run this year and may have an equal one next year.  Jeff is just a decent crew chief away from being on Jimmie's level, which kind of proves what I just said, it's a team effort.  As good as Jimmie is he could not do it if he didn't have such a good mentor/crew chief, so equal congratulations to go CK.  Rick H. has got NASCAR racing figured out. 

Kurt (what a jerk he was after the race) finished 4th but I don't think he'll do that next year.  Maybe his brother will but I hope not.  Man, those two really grate on me. 

Now that the season is over, I can't say I am unhappy.  This manufactured playoff system does not sell with me, but at least it's good to know that the same guy would have won under either points system.

[Tyyrus]

Well I'll second that Smyler ! Even if it's all been said before . Were they Cheating ? Well if they were they are the Best in Nascar at it !  As for Hendrik , he is the Master of Bringing the Best out of his Team's . He gives them what it takes to achieve success...Chemistry ! Well almost even Jr. has to admit that Hendrik has given him every opportunity to Win...Hell if a 50 +  Old Man can do it...come on Jr. whats your excuse ! 

[20forLogano]

Well I'll second that Smyler ! Even if it's all been said before . Were they Cheating ? Well if they were they are the Best in Nascar at it !  As for Hendrik , he is the Master of Bringing the Best out of his Team's . He gives them what it takes to achieve success...Chemistry ! Well almost even Jr. has to admit that Hendrik has given him every opportunity to Win...Hell if a 50 +  Old Man can do it...come on Jr. whats your excuse ! 

I have said it from day one, he is an average driver that's why he hasn't dominated like some thought

[Tyyrus]

I have said it from day one, he is an average driver that's why he hasn't dominated like some thought

I think History has shown that Jr. excelled on the Super Speedways Only ! That probably due to Cars and his Father's influence on his driving style . I agree that Jr. is more or less an Average Driver ! But having said that with Hendrick Equipment is showing less than Average Performance ! 

[scott b]

I think it may be a few years down the road before it starts to sink in how good the Hendrick-JJ-Chad operation is.  Four championships in a row is something not even Richard Petty (with Petty Enterpises/Dale Inman) could manage at the height of his dominance.  While I don't like the chase format, I disagree with those who minimize the accomplishment because of it... No asterisks are necessary in the record books.

[south jersey girl]

I agree, no asterisk needed.  They have mastered the Chase format, but I think whatever format they were playing in, the JJ/Chad/HMS team would be a formidible force

[Tyyrus]

Well it would seem simple enough for a Monkey to understand , that Hendik Power + Chad Knaus + JJ = CHAMPIONSHIP ! 

[20forLogano]

If we were in the old points the 48 team would have mastered that.  Christ, their rookie year they were 5th in points.  Just give this team their due.

[HUDSON HORNET]

Nobody seems to want to mention it but I will.  I congratulate Jimmie Johnson for his record setting 4th Cup title in a row.

I did, Smyler.
Not here, but at another Big truck truckin' related website with a NASCAR thread. 

He did exactly what he had to do and seems to have earned the admiration of most of the drivers and many of the fans.

I'll tell ya, as much as I want Mark Martin to win a championship, it's difficult not to cheer for a driver goin' for a record four in a row. Jimmie's on track personality doesn't match his off track mild mannered Mr Meek persona. 

Yeah, he's plain vanilla but vanilla is ok too.

Jimmie and Chad remind me of the Odd Couple. Introverted and extroverted, and it works. 

......... *snip* .......As good as Jimmie is he could not do it if he didn't have such a good mentor/crew chief, so equal congratulations to go CK.  Rick H. has got NASCAR racing figured out.

I think you're correct. Chad is a keeper. Possibly the most astute, wily, clever, and personable crew chief in the sport today. How ever the chemistry manages to successfully come together without exploding is a mystery many would like to solve.
And you're right. Jimmie and Chad remind me of Jeff and Ray. Both of those teams have made me wonder
How day doo dat?   
 

Now that the season is over, I can't say I am unhappy.  This manufactured playoff system does not sell with me, but at least it's good to know that the same guy would have won under either points system.

Yeah,......... hip--hip--hooRay & yippie-ky-0.
Knowin' that makes me feel SOooo much better. 
I savin' my big cheers for Mark's championship.   

[smyler]

Have you noticed all the press that Jimmie has been getting since Homestead?  When he won this championship he threw a big party that left him dazed for a couple of days.  In Vegas guys were talking about all the stories they have about JJ that they can't talk about.  Now, Mr. Johnson has been awarded the athlete of the year by AP ( http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=4761210 ).  That's the first time a NASCAR guy has been awarded that honor. 

JJ is not my favorite driver, but he easily could be.  I think what we have here is a case of us all taking for granted what we have and not appreciating what we are seeing.  Years from now we will look back and wonder why people disliked him.  Yeah, he got upset when he was wrecked near the end of the season, but he ended up apologizing and saying he was wrong about his outburst.  Heat of the moment, don't you know. 

To me, he's a class guy who gives huge $ to charity, excels far above any expectations and I believe is faithful to his wife (whenever you see them together you can see his admiration of her).  If you were a team owner and you were creating a driver to hire, tell me what there is about JJ that you would change?

[Tyyrus]

JJ is not my favorite Driver either ! Still find it hard to believe so many detractors of what he has achieved ? Sure perhaps the guy is not as colourful as some of the other Top ten drivers , but you can't argue with his success . I personally find him a very likeable person .   

[DougS]

.  Now, Mr. Johnson has been awarded the athlete of the year by AP ( http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/news/story?id=4761210 ).  That's the first time a NASCAR guy has been awarded that honor. 

After the Tiger Woods debacle JJ was the "safe" ie "vanilla" choice with minimum skeletons in his closet.

[20forLogano]

And JJ gets another trophy, this one Athlete of the Year.  First racer ever and this is huge for the sport.  I am not a fan of JJ but he can wheel a race car and he is the best right now and go down as one of the best all time.  Congrats to him.  Also, did anyone hear the Merill Hodge debacle on ESPN radio this week regarding JJ and Nascar?  It was truly bad for the network and lets just say I think they will keep him on Football for now on