Jimmie Johnson was the first Rookie to lead the Winston Cup Point standings back in 2002.
To be quite honest, we could be talking about his 6th championship in 8 years
2003 he finished second
2004 Second (4 points behind Kurt)
2005 Second coming into the last race. Wrecked during the race and finished 5th in the standings
2006, 2007, 2008 Championships
I've never been a big fan of either Jimmie or Chad but those two and the rest of the 48 bunch know how to get things done and have been doing so since xoming to Cup. :flex: They produce week after week and are a threat to win every weekend.
"If he wins another one this year, I'd put him up there with Petty, Earnhardt, and Gordon :shock:"
I would to. But he doesnt get the recognition or the respect. And most of that I believe is how much people hate and despise the chase.
So..... Were does Jimme rank? Some interesting CUP stats about those that you mentioned compared to Jimmie.....
Richard Petty - 7 Championships
Dale Earnhardt - 7
Jeff Gordon - 4
Jimmie Johnson - 3
Richard Petty had a winning percentage of 16.89%
Dale Earnhardt - 11.24%
Jeff Gordon - 14.56%
Jimmie Johnson - 15.38%
Richard Petty had an average finish of 11.267
Dale Earnhardt - 11.061
Jeff Gordon - 12.329
Jimmie Johnson - 11.733
Obviously, he's right there with the best of the best and deserves the respect that the others get. People just get tired of watching the same driver win all of the time. The same was true with the other three that you mentioned at one time or another. He hasn't really been in the sport all that long and has already accomplished so much. The respect that you talk about will come in time. :yesshake: