NASCAR: On Jimmie Johnson and Dynasties
What in the world is that smell? Is that musty beer burning in the infield fire pit? Could it be the mixture of Sunoco gasoline and rubber that comes from any NASCAR race? It could be…and probably is all of the above. But the most pungent odor I can smell is that of a dynasty. Not that long ago, I cried out about the injustices of racing dynasties, but have given that some thought. After reflecting on that issue for some time now, I am kind of, almost, pretty sure convinced that I like dynasties. Here’s why:
A dynasty takes a normal man, say the driver of the number 48 Lowe’s machine, and at first turns him into a Champion. Then the next year, the pressure is really on. Can this guy do it all over again? Is there anything left in the tank, or will the pinnacle of his chosen sport be enough of a reward to make him rethink doing it all over again? Yet, the #48 with Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel did in fact have enough left. In 2007, he won the Cup just like he did the year before.
And now, for the third year in a row, Jimmie Johnson stands on the verge of cementing his greatness at the top of his sport. Cale Yarborough won the Cup in 1976, 77, and 78. To date, Cale is the only driver to ever have three consecutive Cup championships. That small part of NASCAR history may get a bit more crowded this year.
