When it comes down to it Jimmie Johnson is “Superman”. A 5 time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion. Jimmie started driving for Hendricks Motor Sports in 2002 and had 3 wins, 4 poles, 6 top-fives, 21 top-tens, and he led 838 laps throughout the season. With only 3 DNF’s he finished the season fifth in points.
For his 2003 Cup campaign, Johnson had three wins which also included 14 top-five finishes and 20 top-ten finishes. Johnson finished the season second in the points standings to Matt Kenseth.
In 2004, Johnson didn’t start off in a good way but over the season he collected 8 wins, 20 top-fives, 23 top-tens, and he finished 2nd in the point standings.
In 2005, Johnson stayed in the top five in the points standings all year and became only the second driver to win three consecutive races in one of NASCAR's majors (his car owner, Jeff Gordon, won four consecutive Southern 500 titles from 1995–1998). Johnson had a chance to win the championship coming into the November 20 season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but finished 5th in points after crashing at the midway point of the race with a tire problem. Johnson's 2005 Cup season statistics include 22 top-10 finishes.
In 2006 Johnson had a season you can only dream about, winning five races and winning the Nextel Cup Series championship, his first of five. His 2006 season include 13 top-fives, 24 top-tens, 1 pole, and he led 854 laps.
In 2007 Johnson had 10 wins, 4 poles, 20 top-fives, and 24 top-tens. Jimmie would win his second consecutive championship. Overall he led 1289 laps in the season.
His 2008 season was once again a dream season with 7 wins, 6 poles, 15 top-fives, 22 top-tens, and the Sprint Cup Series Championship number 3.
During the 2009 season Jimmie Johnson had 7 wins, 4 poles, 16 top-fives, 24 top-tens, and he led a total of 2,238 laps…Oh, and did I mention he won his 4th Championship!
Which brings us to 2010, Jimmie Johnson added a 5th consecutive championship to his record. He had 2 pole’s, 17 top-fives, 23 top-tens, 6 wins, 1326 laps led, and he had four DNFs…Yes Virginia Superman does exisit.
Don’t look for many changes on the Lowes #48 Cheverolet Impala for next season. Chad Knaus will be his crew chief and the team will go for it’s 6th Nascar Sprint Cup Championship! Who has a chance of taking the title away from Jimmie in the 2011 season? At this point nobody knows, but there are some other drivers who will step up to the challenge and make Jimmie fight for number six, that’s for sure.
Congratulations to “Superman” Jimmie Johnson, a driver who has made history in a sport that has many Champions. Now he will be mentioned in the likeness of “The King” Richard Petty, “The Intimidator” Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon.
Keep up to date during the off season right here on WINGAM.com, Eric the Great and myself will be bringing you all the news from NASCAR and getting you ready for the 2011 Daytona 500. Happy Holidays.
Brian “BC” Casey
