NEW DEAL FOR JIMMIE Nov 21, 2009
" Johnson's previous contract expired after the 2010 season. This is his third contract extension since joining Hendrick in 2001. Home improvement chain Lowe's also signed an extension as primary sponsor of Johnson's No. 48 through the 2013 season. "So fortunate to have my team, job, situation at Hendrick Motorsports," Johnson said. "Lowe's has been nothing but amazing to Hendrick Motorsports, to myself ... It's been a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet and a Lowe's Chevrolet. (USA Today -- Sports)
Johnson to start title drive up front at Homestead Nov 21, 2009
919-mph lap bumped Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin from the top spot late in the session ... 5-mile track, which is one of only five where the Hendrick Motorsports star hasn't won. (USA Today -- Sports)
Hendrick may make history with 1-2-3 Cup finish Nov 21, 2009
CORAL GABLES, Florida (AP) -- If either Jimmie Johnson or Mark Martin finishes the Ford 400 on Sunday with the NASCAR championship, Hendrick Motorsports -- which owns both cars -- will have plenty to celebrate ... If they finish in those spots, Hendrick Motorsports would become the first team in NASCAR history to truly pull off that feat. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
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)
Johnson takes pole Nov 21, 2009
919 mph on Friday to top qualifying at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a big boost for the Hendrick Motorsports star as he tries to become the first driver in NASCAR history to win four consecutive championships ... Johnson won his fourth pole of the season in the No. 48 Chevrolet hours after it was announced he signed a contract extension to drive for Hendrick Motorsports through the 2015 season ... Johnson, Martin and Gordon are trying to give Hendrick Motorsports a 1-2-3 finish in the season points... (MSNBC -- Sports)
Johnson Grabs Pole At Homestead, Martin Qualifies Fourth Nov 21, 2009
Johnson holds a comfortable 108-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin heading into the season-ending race. If Johnson finishes 25th or better, he will clinch his unprecedented fourth straight Cup championship, regardless of Martin's performance. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Johnson to start from pole at Homestead on Sunday Nov 21, 2009
He qualified first Friday hours after it was announced he signed a contract extension to drive for Hendrick Motorsports through the 2015 season. Scott Speed was second. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Hendrick on verge of historic 1-2-3 finish Nov 20, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports drivers, from left, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Mark Martin ... For Hendrick Motorsports, this NASCAR season might seem easy as 1-2-3 ... 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)
DRIVER'S SEAT: Hendrick in no-lose situation Nov 20, 2009
Mark Martin, left, and Jimmie Johnson, center, pose with Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick Thursday at a news conference ahead of Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway ... Hendrick Motorsports has never won the Cup race at HMS. Last year, Gordon finished fourth and eighth, while Johnson, protecting his points lead, was 15th. (USA Today -- Sports)
For Hendrick, a 1-2-3 finish might make history Nov 20, 2009
There will be much for Hendrick Motorsports to celebrate on Sunday night ... Jeff Gordon, who also drives under the Hendrick Motorsports flag, is third. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
BrantJamesInside Nascar For Jimmie Johnson, the PR whirl is just a background buzz. Nov 20, 2009
He leads Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin by 108 points. In-progress dynasties are hard to dissect, and Johnson's dominance has been so numbing -- boring, according to critics and fans of. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Hendrick team hunts history Nov 20, 2009
- For Hendrick Motorsports, this NASCAR season might seem easy as 1-2-3 ... - For Hendrick Motorsports, this NASCAR season might seem easy as 1-2-3 ... 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. (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)
Finishing 25th or better will do it, but there's a bit more Nov 20, 2009
He shared the afternoon with team owner Rick Hendrick, who is assured his record-tying ninth championship, and driver Mark Martin, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate and the only driver capable of stopping Johnson's drive to history ... What Johnson did know was that Hendrick Motorsports has never won a race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (News & Observer -- Sports)
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 ... For Hendrick Motorsports, this NASCAR season might seem easy as 1-2-3 ... 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. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Knaus succeeding by learning how to handle failure Nov 19, 2009
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. He s meticulous, relentless and maybe even a bit obsessive. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Keselowski may have rough road ahead Nov 18, 2009
Keselowski apparently alienated most of the principal players at Hendrick Motorsports two months after that Talladega win, when he tried to explain the best strategy to win at Daytona International Speedway. Last check showed the current Hendrick drivers have a combined 187 Cup victories, and probably don't need much advice from a one-time winner. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Hendrick relishes impending 4-peat Nov 18, 2009
What if he didn t drive for Hendrick Motorsports ... Since 1995, the year Hendrick Motorsports won its first championship with Jeff Gordon, Hendrick has presided over 149 victories - 127 from Gordon, who has all but two of his 82 career wins during that span, and Johnson (47) - with his team averaging almost 10 wins a season ... Hendrick Motorsports recorded a team-high 18 wins in 2007, including 10 by Johnson and six by Gordon. (Boston Globe)
Hendrick championship part of master plan Nov 17, 2009
He wants to make sure everyone within Hendrick Motorsports understands to the very end that none of his teams are any more special than another. That's why he will talk with the third-place driver in the Chase for the Championship, then second place and finish with the champion. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Johnson races to NASCAR victory Nov 17, 2009
It widened his lead in the standings to 108 points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin, and Johnson needs only to finish 25th or better at Homestead to wrap up the title. The strong showing came a week after a fluke accident at Texas chopped a chunk of points off Johnson s lead, and the rebound was considered something of a statement. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
NASCAR: Johnson makes winning stand at Phoenix Nov 16, 2009
Although Mark Martin finished fourth, he lost 35 points to his Hendrick Motorsports teammate. All Johnson has to do next week at the season finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway is finish no worse than 25th to become the first winner of four championships in a row. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Johnson rolls at PIR Nov 16, 2009
"You saw in Texas that anything can happen so we don't need to get too excited," said Johnson whose Hendrick Motorsports organization now has won six consecutive races at PIR, including four of the past five by Johnson. "I just can't thank the team enough for staying focused. (Crew chief) Chad (Knaus) did a good job of keeping everyone's spirits up. I'm very proud of how we bounced back. "As far as making a statement, I guess in the end it could be looked at like that. (AZCentral -- 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 ... Others will tell you that the team is more important, and there is no doubt that Hendrick Motorsports' resources and Johnson's crew chief Chad Knaus give him an edge. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Johnson wins at Phoenix, closes in on title Nov 16, 2009
Johnson's win in Sunday's Checker 500 left him with a nearly insurmountable points lead of 108 over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin entering next weekend's season finale at Homestead, Fla. It will be Johnson's fourth consecutive championship a NASCAR record. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnson wins at Phoenix to cruise into finale Nov 16, 2009
The win stretched his lead to 108 points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin heading into next week's finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Martin finished fourth, but it wasn't enough to derail Johnson. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Johnson wins, back in Chase control Nov 16, 2009
He limped to a 38th-place finish that sliced his lead in the standings to just 73 points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin. His win at Phoenix Johnsons fourth in the last five races here, and seventh victory of the season stretched his lead to 108 points over Martin heading into the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Victory lane: Roundup of the Auto Parts 500 Nov 16, 2009
Car: No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet 2009 wins: 7 Career wins: 47. Sunday's results. (News & Observer -- Sports)
CARQUEST extends deal with Hendrick, Martin Nov 15, 2009
CARQUEST has extended sponsorship deal with Hendrick Motorsports, Mark Martin ... CARQUEST has been a sponsor of Hendrick Motorsports since 2002 ... (AP) -- CARQUEST Auto Parts has extended its sponsorship deal with Hendrick Motorsports and driver Mark Martin. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Martin OK with second this time Nov 15, 2009
This time Martin is grateful for the opportunity to be with Hendrick Motorsports and the perks that come with it, like contending for a championship. For once, the racing glass is half-full for Martin. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Martin wants more from magical year Nov 15, 2009
This time Martin is grateful for the opportunity to be with Hendrick Motorsports and the perks, like contending for a championship, that come with it. If Johnson finishes no worse than fourth in the final two races, he will win the championship. (The Augusta Chronicle)
No matter what, 2009 is best year of Martin's life Nov 15, 2009
Martin has had a resurgence this season, his first with Hendrick Motorsports. He's won five races and is second in the standings, 73 points behind Johnson with two races remaining. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
NASCAR: No title for Stewart, but driver, owner delighted with results Nov 15, 2009
He was able to lure crew chiefs Darian Grubb from Hendrick Motorsports and Tony Gibson from Dale Earnhardt Inc., and a slew of first rate mechanics and engineers. Copyright Associated Press. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Stewart considers 1st season as owner a success Nov 15, 2009
He was able to lure crew chiefs Darian Grubb from Hendrick Motorsports and Tony Gibson from Dale Earnhardt Inc., and a slew of first rate mechanics and engineers. Stewart also was able to grab Newman, who wanted a fresh start after several frustrating years with Penske Racing. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Dale Jr.: Danica's move far from a done deal Nov 14, 2009
com, but the company will move to Cup next year to back the No. 5 Chevrolet of at Hendrick Motorsports, which has an alliance with JRM.. Earnhardt says JRM has only "three-quarters to half a season" of sponsors for the No. 88 in 2010. (USA Today -- Sports)
Johnson says he blamed Hornish a little too much Nov 14, 2009
He finished 38th and saw his lead in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship trimmed to 73 points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin. Johnson said on Friday at Phoenix International Raceway that he s talked with David Reutimann, who tapped Hornish and took some blame for triggering the wreck. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Incentive? They're still racing, right? Nov 14, 2009
That's got to be his mentality as he heads into Sunday's race trailing his Hendrick Motorsports teammate by 73 points in the standings. He needs a flawless race, and some Johnson misfortune, to finally win his first Cup title. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Chase has become a hot pursuit Nov 14, 2009
Yeah, up until last week, things just seemed to be going really well, said Johnson, who leads Hendrick Motorsports teammates Mark Martin by 73 points and Jeff Gordon by 112. A lot of positive emotions and thoughts that went with all of that. (Boston Globe)
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)
Driver notes Nov 12, 2009
"We had a really fast car in the spring and had some different issues on pit road and some bad luck with the timing of the caution that kept us back in the pack and still ended up with a reasonable finish, but we passed a lot of cars and in our opinion felt like we had the strongest car. So going back to Phoenix is exciting for us, and it's one of the tracks I was mentioning in my opening statements there that I feel we can get a victory at, and hopefully makes some more cool things take place... (USA Today -- Sports)
Martin's optimism gives him winning edge Nov 12, 2009
Martin joins Hendrick Motorsports for the first time in his career and after a two-year break from fulltime competition in the series, returns to run all 36 races. He won his first race in the spring at Phoenix and it was one of the most memorable post-race interviews I ve been apart of because of Martin s genuine enthusiasm and humble outlook as he returned to Victory Lane - a place he sincerely believed he may not see again. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson's Chase challengers can't keep pace Nov 12, 2009
Here s a look at the trials and tribulations of the drivers who were expected to challenge Johnson when the Chase started eight weeks ago, only to be left behind the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team. Martin, second in points, 73 out: He opened the Chase with a win at New Hampshire, the fifth win of the season for the resurgent 50-year-old. (Longview Daily News, WA)
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
Racing for Hendrick Motorsports, which is the biggest and richest organization in the sport, Johnson has a car that's capable of winning week in and week out. The majority of the drivers in the sport can't say this. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Drivers get by with help from friends Nov 11, 2009
Johnson, Martin and Gordon are teammates at Hendrick Motorsports. Their cars and setups are supposed to be available to everyone else in the same shop. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Johnson refused to quit after setback Nov 10, 2009
Hendrick Motorsports hoped for the best, but it planned for the worse by putting all the parts and pieces to repair a major crash in the garage before the race started. That attention to detail, even in a desperate situation, is why Johnson is on the cusp of his fourth championship. (The Augusta Chronicle)
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)
Delayed Gratification Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesEven with his day-ending crash at Lap 3, Jimmie Johnson (48) still holds a sizable lead in the Sprint Cup title chase. In his weekly notes, Bruce Martin details IndyCar's landmark sponsorship agreement, Kurt Busch's lottery-style lucky day and Jimmie Johnson's revised chances for making history. Nov 9, 2009
But rather than park the car and roll it on the transporter for the long trip back to the Hendrick Motorsports shop in Harrisburg, N.C., crew chief Chad Knaus and the team immediately went to work. They cut away the damaged parts of the car, started pounding on the frame and replaced the front and rear clip of the car in an attempt to get it back on track. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Gordon earns pole at Texas, his first of season Nov 7, 2009
Johnson's closest chasers are his Hendrick Motorsports teammates. But Johnson takes a comfortable 184-point lead over Martin into Sunday's race, with Gordon eight points further back. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
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. By Bob Jordan, AP. (USA Today -- Sports)
Sources: Danica near deal with JR Motorsports Nov 5, 2009
Patrick met with Rick Hendrick, owner of Sprint Cup juggernaut Hendrick Motorsports, which supplies support to JR Motorsports, for the first time just two weeks ago due to scheduling conflicts ... "Danica Watch" has been a season-long source of headlines and garage gossip in IndyCar and NASCAR throughout the 2009 season, as the 27-year-old driver made repeated trips to North Carolina to chat with potential stock car suitors, including 's Stewart-Haas Racing, Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. (ABC News)
Johnson tops latest Power Rankings Nov 5, 2009
The driver/owner claims his equipment and chassis from Hendrick Motorsports didn't change come Chase time, but it's interesting to note all of the Hendrick cars -- who finished behind the No. 14 for most of the regular season -- are now running circles around him when it really counts. 6. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
BrantJamesInside Nascar Crown him now? Not so fast. Here's how J.J. could lose. Nov 5, 2009
At 184 points behind Johnson, he likely needs one huge biblical slate-evening from a career of rotten luck and title-chase heartbreak to surpass his Hendrick Motorsports teammate. This would not be subtle stuff. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Keselowski replaces Stremme for final three races Nov 3, 2009
The 25-year-old driver already has run a limited Cup schedule this year with Hendrick Motorsports and Phoenix Racing. He is currently third in Nationwide Series points, driving the No.88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, which is co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson extends lead at Talladega Nov 2, 2009
One problem, NASCAR's warning about bump drafting in the corners had drivers on their best behavior and Johnson found himself 30th with 18 laps to go and no Hendrick Motorsports teammates in the vicinity. It had all the makings of disaster. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Rewind | Commentary and more from Sunday's race Nov 2, 2009
Like his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Martin, Gordon ran out of gas before the finish and ended up 20th. He led four times for 12 laps and appeared to have a car that could win. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Talladega Qualifying Rained Out, Johnson Awarded Pole Nov 1, 2009
Johnson, who is attempting to win his unprecedented fourth straight Sprint Cup Series championship, holds a 118-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports teammate and closest competitor Mark Martin. Johnson last started on the pole at Talladega in October 2002, when qualifying here also was canceled due to bad weather. (ABC 7 News, DC)
McGrew to stay with Earnhardt in 2010 Nov 1, 2009
Lance McGrew had the interim tag removed from his crew chief title Friday when Hendrick Motorsports said he ll stay with Dale Earnhardt Jr. next season. McGrew replaced Tony Eury Jr. in late May in an effort to save Earnhardt s sinking season. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Rain Washes Out Qualifying at Talladega Nov 1, 2009
His Hendrick Motorsports teammates Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon will start second and third. Johnson, the three-time defending series champion, has a 118-point advantage over Martin with four races remaining in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Martin hoping to gain ground at Talladega Oct 31, 2009
Plate racing has not been kind to the 50-year-old driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet fielded by Hendrick Motorsports ... Hail to the chiefs While Joe Gibbs Racing earlier this week replaced Steve Addington with Dave Rogers as Kyle Busch s crew chief on the No. 18 car, Hendrick Motorsports yesterday cemented its driver-crew chief relationship between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Lance McGrew, who had the interim removed from his title after stepping in at midseason for Tony Eury Jr. as crew chief of the No.... (Boston Globe)
Hendrick keeping McGrew as Earnhardt's crew chief in 2010 Oct 31, 2009
He believes Hendrick Motorsports found one Friday simply by removing the "interim" tag of crew chief Lance McGrew ... " McGrew said his communication has improved with Earnhardt every week. "We have 550 teammates at Hendrick Motorsports that are bleeding sweat to make this No. 88 run as successfully as it is supposed to be," he said. "We're heading that direction ... " McGrew said he hoped to overhaul the team's working relationship with Mark Martin's No. 5 Chevrolet, which is housed in the same... (USA Today -- Sports)
MarkBeechRacing Fan NASCAR conspiracy theorists way off on this year's Chase. Oct 31, 2009
His team's relationship with Hendrick Motorsports is extremely open. Johnson has gone so far as to refer to Stewart as his "teammate." I just can't, for the life of me, imagine Tony Stewart stepping aside so that he could keep losing to the same driver. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Mcgrew Named As Full-time Crew Chief For Earnhardt Jr. Oct 31, 2009
(Sports Network) - Hendrick Motorsports on Friday named Lance McGrew the full-time crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No.88 Chevrolet, effective immediately ... "Both of us are 110-percent committed to the success of this team, and we're going to do everything necessary to get the job done for Hendrick Motorsports, our sponsors and Dale's fans.". (ABC 7 News, DC)
Chase leader Johnson uneasy heading into Talladega Oct 30, 2009
He knows the smallest miscalculation Sunday -- by himself or anyone else in the 43-car field -- could trigger "The Big One" and the damage might be enough to swallow up a ton of Johnson's cushy 118-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Martin. Tell us, champ, just how do you feel about going to Talladega. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Montoya-Gordon clash at Martinsville was entertaining Oct 27, 2009
Montoya ran in front for 37 laps, and the fans at Martinsville were delighted with the Colombian outmuscling the Hendrick Motorsports duo. Hamlin held off Johnson for the win, and Montoya drove to a third-place finish, his career best at Martinsville. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Hamlin makes prediction come true Oct 26, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Mon, Oct 26, 2009 02:00 AMModified Mon, Oct 26, 2009 12:44 AM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Hamlin Denies Johnson Another Victory At Martinsville Oct 26, 2009
Gordon remained third in the rankings, trailing his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Johnson by 150 points with four races remaining in the Chase. Copyright 2009 The Sports NetworkAll rights reserved. (ABC 7 News, DC)
