So it has been 2 weeks since the 48 teams hard luck 35th place finish at Daytona. Two weeks since the talking heads started the debate as to weather the 48's luck has run out. I know hind site is 20/20 but does anyone still think Jimmy and co. are done with their dynastic run?
Two weeks and two wins later JJ and the 48 team are right back on top of the mountain. For those of you who don't know NASCAR, you still know Johnson. He is on Sportcenter every week, and is clearly becoming the most recognizable driver in the sport.
I watched the California race with a NASCAR virgin, "The Bomber", and asked him who he thought was going to win? He said "I have no fucking clue what's going on but I would go with Jimmy Johnson", the only driver he has heard of besides Earnhardt Jr. He was right on the mark, and proclaimed that he was now a fan of the 48.
The problem with Jimmy is that he is so good at what he does off the track as well as on the track, leaving haters scrambling for any reason to hate on the 48. He says the right things. He conducts his business with poise and grace, answers all the questions the right way, and has a hot wife.
Remind you of anyone? Ever hear of a certain New York Yankee who wears the # 2 on his back? An athlete that says all the right things to the press, and wins title after title? Is never caught up in a scandal, or a lawsuit? Jimmy Johnson is NASCAR's Derek Jeter. A winner, A champion, and a great human being.
I know it is early but it seems like there will be allot of folks in the garage area trying anything they can to dethrone the Champ. Not only does the 48 win when they are running good, but they seem to just be plain lucky. In California a few weeks back the 48 was on pit road seconds before the yellow flag waived. Normally being on pit road during a caution is a disaster, pit road closes when the yellow flag waives resulting in pass through penalties for any one who enters before the pits re-open. The 48 was on pit road seconds before the caution, got fuel and tires and ended up in first place, leading the race with 20 laps to go. Johnson then held off a hot driving Kevin Harvick, who was poised to pass the 48. This is why JJ is a champion, he refused to let Harvick pass even though his car was inferior to the 29.
Yesterday, while most were watching the gold medal hockey game between the US and Canada, the 48 passed his teammate, the legendary Jeff Gordon, with 16 laps to go for his second win of this short season. Gordon led almost 200 laps but could not hold off the relentless Johnson.
With 8 cup titles between the two teammates, they are indeed the cream of the crop. Although Gordon's last title came almost 10 years ago he is still one of the toughest drivers around.
Gordon knew what he was doing when he convinced Rick Hendrick to sign Jimmy years ago. He liked Johnson so much he bought in, he is the half owner of the 48 team.
Speaking of Hendrick motor sports, they had a great weekend with the 48 winning, the 24 finishing 3rd, and Mark Martin in the 5 car finishing 4th. Great weekend for all at HMS with the exception of Dale Jr. who finished a meager 16th, battling a loose car all afternoon.
Michael Clark (emsea)
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