TomBowlesInside Nascar What went wrong for the rest of the Chasers in 2009 Sprint Cup? Nov 21, 2009
Jimmie Johnson has won the right to a fourth straight title thanks to his four wins and eight top-10s in nine Chase races. The 11 drivers who came up short will all go into the offseason wondering privately where it all went wrong while publicly congratulating the No. 48 team. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
ANDERSON: One thing can keep Johnson from a title Nov 21, 2009
Jimmie Johnson on verge of winning fourth Chase for the Championship title - Lars Anderson - SI.com ... Jimmie Johnson will focus on race at Homestead instead of celebrating Phoenix win ... Jimmie Johnson placed first at Phoenix and led 238 of 312 laps. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
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)
Twin win for Harvicks in Trucks Series finale Nov 21, 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)
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)
Johnson wins at Phoenix, closes in on title Nov 21, 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)
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)
NASCAR Chase Nov 21, 2009
Jimmie Johnson sends up huge billows of smoke in a postrace burnout after scoring his seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup victory of the season at Phoenix International Speedway. Johnson's fourth win in nine Chase races this season moved him closer to a record fourth consecutive championship. (USA Today -- Sports)
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)
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)
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 ... Quick hits: Jimmie Johnson needs to finish 25th or better to hold off Mark Martin for his fourth straight Cup title. (USA Today -- Sports)
Knaus, Gustafson discuss 2009 season Nov 20, 2009
Chad Knaus, Alan Gustafson on Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin,2009 - Racing - SI.com ... Chad Knaus on how Mark Martin has helped Jimmie Johnson and team. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson not at ease despite large Chase lead Nov 20, 2009
Jimmie Johnson can win a fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup title by finishing 25th or better Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway ... Quick hits: Jimmie Johnson needs to finish 25th or better to hold off Mark Martin for his fourth straight Cup title. (USA Today -- Sports)
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)
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)
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)
MARTIN: Martin happy with career, Danica's NASCAR Nov 20, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon on NASCAR season - Bruce Martin - SI.com ... He enters the season's final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway 108 points behind Jimmie Johnson ... "I think Jimmie Johnson is under-rated and under-appreciated... I have definitely been beat by the best -- Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt. It won't embarrass me if I lose a title to Jimmie Johnson as well. "Things are quite different right now, but no one from my experience -- from 1981 until now --... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
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)
Finishing 25th or better will do it, but there's a bit more Nov 20, 2009
Getty Images for NASCAR CORAL GABLES, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's/KOBALT Tools Chevorlet speaks to the media during the NASCAR Championship Contenders Press Conference on November 19, 2009 in Coral Gables, Florida ... Jimmie Johnson, three days and 400 miles away from winning a historic fourth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, spent several hours Thursday smiling and answering questions about what he's accomplished and what's at stake in the Ford 400 at... (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 ... 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)
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 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)
NASCAR and auto racing » Nov 19, 2009
Jimmie Johnson won't plan any parties this week, or waste a minute pondering his place in NASCAR history ... Jimmie Johnson has such a stranglehold on the championship that it's out of reach for every driver besides Mark Martin ... 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. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Johnson's Cup dynasty: Greatness overlooked? Nov 19, 2009
Jimmie Johnson has set the standard for NASCAR excellence the last four years, riding a streak of three consecutive championship campaigns into Sunday's season finale ... Quick hits: Jimmie Johnson needs to finish 25th or better to hold off Mark Martin for his fourth straight Cup title ... Readers: Does Jimmie Johnson belong in the conversation as one of NASCAR's all-time best. (USA Today -- Sports)
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)
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)
Johnson says he blamed Hornish a little too much Nov 18, 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)
Hendrick relishes impending 4-peat Nov 18, 2009
After rebounding from his Texas troubles with a victory in Sunday s Checkers O Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, Jimmie Johnson was spotted sharing a poignant moment with his car owner, Rick Hendrick ... Which got us to wondering: What if Jimmie Johnson had never met Rick Hendrick. (Boston Globe)
Hendrick championship part of master plan Nov 17, 2009
Jeff Gordon will be eliminated if Jimmie Johnson starts the race. Mark Martin will be eliminated if Johnson finishes no worse than 25th. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Johnson races to NASCAR victory Nov 17, 2009
Jimmie Johnson won t plan any parties this week, or waste a minute pondering his place in NASCAR history ... It wouldn t embarrass me if it was Jimmie Johnson as well. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
LarsAndersonInside Racing Only one thing can keep Jimmie Johnson from a Sprint Cup title. Nov 17, 2009
Jimmie Johnson on verge of winning fourth Chase for the Championship title - Lars Anderson - SI.com ... Jimmie Johnson will focus on race at Homestead instead of celebrating Phoenix win ... Jimmie Johnson placed first at Phoenix and led 238 of 312 laps. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Mark Martin says 2009 best year of his life Nov 17, 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)
2009 Sprint Cup Series Schedule Nov 17, 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)
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 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)
Hornaday captures record fourth Trucks crown Nov 16, 2009
Hornaday eventually moved to North Carolina for a career in NASCAR, and opened his home to Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and scores of other fledgling racers as they followed him across the country. All took turns sleeping on the couch, and Harvick considers their partnership today a payback of sorts. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Martin won't admit it, but he has a shot Nov 16, 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 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)
Johnson's Chase challengers can't keep pace Nov 16, 2009
Instead, it s once again been the Jimmie Johnson show. With only two races remaining to crown NASCAR s 2009 champion, Mark Martin is the only driver with a realistic shot of dethroning Johnson. (Longview Daily News, WA)
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 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)
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)
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)
Jimmie Johnson Nov 16, 2009
Posted: Sunday November 15, 2009 6:43PM; Updated: Sunday November 15, 2009 9:17PM. Johnson wins at Phoenix, closes in on record fourth straight title. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Johnson wins at Phoenix, closes in on fourth title Nov 16, 2009
Jimmie Johnson led 238 laps in a dominating victory at Phoenix International ... Jimmie Johnson has a 108-point lead over teammate Mark Martin heading to the Homestead finale ... (AP) -- 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. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Mike's Garage: NASCAR changes adversely affect racing at Talladega Nov 16, 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)
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 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)
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)
Johnson closer to 4th Cup title with Phoenix win Nov 16, 2009
Jimmie Johnson closer to 4th Sprint Cup title with Phoenix International Raceway win - ESPN ... Jimmie Johnson Wins, Closes In On Title ... Jimmie Johnson wins third consecutive fall race at Phoenix. (ABC News)
NASCAR: Johnson makes winning stand at Phoenix Nov 16, 2009
-- Jimmie Johnson's victory in Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 epitomized his Chase for the Championship and a likely fourth consecutive championship ... Jimmie Johnson 6,492 2. (The Augusta Chronicle)
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)
Johnson wins Phoenix race, nears fourth NASCAR title Nov 16, 2009
Jimmie Johnson celebrates his fourth win of this year's Chase with an overjoyed crew in victory lane at Phoenix International Raceway ... It wouldn't embarrass me if it was Jimmie Johnson as well. (USA Today -- Sports)
Johnson, Martin key picks for Phoenix Nov 15, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, MarkMartin top NASCARfantasy picksat Phoenix - Racing - SI.com ... After crash at Texas, it is unlikely that Jimmie Johnson will make another mistake ... Jimmie Johnson looks to increase his 73-point lead at Phoenix International Raceway. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Martin not ready to give up Chase Nov 15, 2009
- Despite last week s 38th-place finish in Fort Worth, Jimmie Johnson still has such a stranglehold on the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship that the title is nearly out of reach for every driver besides Mark Martin. And Martin likely would require a major stumble by the three-time defending champion. (Boston Globe)
Truex seizes Phoenix pole; Johnson starting third Nov 15, 2009
Martin Truexseizes Phoenix pole; Jimmie Johnson starting third - Racing - SI.com ... Kurt Busch qualified second, while Chase leader Jimmie Johnson is third ... Defending three-time series champion Jimmie Johnson qualified third, and was followed by Kasey Kahne and Denny Hamlin. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
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)
JJ admits he blamed Hornish too much for crash Nov 15, 2009
Jimmie Johnson blamed Sam Hornish too much for Texas crash - Racing - SI.com ... Jimmie Johnson says he shouldn't have blamed Sam Hornish so much for crash ... (AP) -- Jimmie Johnson says he probably blamed Sam Hornish a little too much for their costly run-in last week at Texas Motor Speedway. (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)
Stewart considers 1st season as owner a success Nov 15, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Sat, Nov 14, 2009 06:12 PMModified Sat, Nov 14, 2009 06:12 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
No matter what, 2009 is best year of Martin's life Nov 15, 2009
(AP) -- Mark Martin won't judge this season on whether or not he can catch teammate Jimmie Johnson for the Sprint Cup title. No matter where Martin finishes in the final standings, the 50-year-old veteran says 2009 has been the best year of his life. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
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)
Hornaday wins record 4th Trucks title Nov 14, 2009
Hornaday eventually moved to North Carolina for a career in NASCAR, and opened his home to Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and scores of other fledgling racers as they followed him across the country. All took turns sleeping on the couch, and Harvick considers their partnership today a payback of sorts. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
