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Johnson is changing the definition of a points racer
By admin | November 9, 2008
By Richard Allen
The term ‘points racer’ has always carried a negative connotation in racing. The term has been used to describe a driver who seems content to ride along, not take any chances, and rejoice in a Top 10 finish.
“That was a good points day for us,” is a quote often attributed to ‘points racer’ after he climbs from his car to discuss his 9th place finish.
Jimmie Johnson and his team are changing the definition of what it means to be a ‘points racer’. By their definition, a good points day is when their car wins the race and leads the most laps in the process.
“Now, that’s the way to points race,” crew chief Chad Knaus said over the team radio as his driver crossed the finish line in Martinsville. “Get as many as you can.”
That is the very strategy this Hendrick Motorsports team employed Sunday in Phoenix. Johnson won the race, lead the most laps and collected 195 points in the process.
Johnson entered the Checker O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 with a seemingly comfortable 106 point lead over Carl Edwards. Many teams would have had their driver go out, take it easy and protect the lead so that going into the final race of the season they could do the very same thing all over again.
That is not the mindset of team #48. Instead, they came to Phoenix with the intent of winning the race and burying the competition. They essentially did just that. Johnson’s win gives him a 141 point cushion over Edwards going into Homestead.
On Friday, Johnson demonstrated just what his team’s intentions were for the weekend by winning the pole, which provided much needed track position and a prime pit stall.
At the start of the race, Edwards’ Roush Fenway Racing teammate, Jamie McMurray raced Johnson hard in an attempt to prevent him from leading a lap. The ploy did not work, however, as Johnson eventually made it to the front of the pack where he stayed for much of the remainder of the event.
Last year, Johnson used much the same strategy. He charged to his second consecutive Sprint Cup title by winning four of the last five races. Sunday’s win was his third victory within this year’s Chase for the Championship.
Jimmie Johnson is indeed changing the definition of a ‘points racer’. By going out and getting maximum points he is giving himself the best possible chance to win yet another title rather than allowing his competitors back in the game by taking it easy.
Richard Allen is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association. His weekly column appears in The Mountain Press every Wednesday.
Topics: Articles |
November 10th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Unfortunately, watching Jimmie Johnson win races is about as exciting as watching Paint dry.
Although I’m no fan, Jeff Gordon was the rightful champion in 2007 just as he was in 2004.
November 11th, 2008 at 9:10 am
OK I realize not everyone likes Johnson, but to compare a great driver like him to paint drying your a moron.
He’s making history every time he enters a track, no different then Gordon, Dale, Cale, Petty. If you love racing this is something you have to appreciate.
November 11th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Being very new to the nascar fan family I would just like to say that I spent alot of time picking a racer to follow and join their bandwagon if you will and I chose jimmie johnson for these reasons! 1. He may not be the best every week but every year he has raced he has either improved and has never finished in less than 5th in points at the end of the year! Constience is the mark of a champion! Has anybody in the history of nascar had a better beginning their first seven years? 2. He is not a dangerios driver and has never blamed anyone for his mistakes! 3. The people he races (his competiition) are either envious of him or respect the hell out of him! That should tell you something! He is just as good a man outside the track as he is on the track!!! Nobody is perfect but right now their is nobody better! Prove me wrong and I will gratefully eat my words!!!
November 11th, 2008 at 10:56 am
what is boring about watching him win races? I think you are confusing an outstanding driver that makes it look easy to a driver racing for points. He NEVER races for anything but 1st place, anything less to him and Chad is not good enough. Trust me
November 11th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Johnson is one of the greatest racers in history. How can I say that? Simply look at his record since he’s been in the Cup series.
Jimmie Johnson is a rags to riches story. There was no silver spoon primining him for the Cup. He’s the son of blue collar parents that had no special legacy to guarantee him a racing career. There was nothing in his background to ensure his success but his abilities and his love of racing.
The 48 haters can cry and whine all they want. History will record Jimmie Johnson’s rightful place among “the best that’s ever been!”