Support group behind Johnson’s NASCAR success Nov 22, 2009
They represent an extension of the 530-employee powerhouse operation at Hendrick Motorsports back in Charlotte, N.C., where visitors to the race shop housing Jeff Gordon s No. 24 team and Johnson s No. 48 team are greeted by a sign that reads, Teamwork is what allows common people to reach uncommon results. Since it was founded in 2002 as an outfit owned by Gordon, the 48 team has been uncommonly good and uncommonly driven, helping its driver win 47 career races and the last three NASCAR Sprint... (Boston Globe)
Perception, potential and racing ahead Nov 22, 2009
Only Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt (with seven each) and Jeff Gordon have as many as four championships. History will some day pay proper tribute to Johnson even if NASCAR fandom appears a tick slow on the uptake. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Chairman praises Johnson's dominance Nov 22, 2009
Although the 2007 Chase was a close fight between Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon, Johnson has rolled into Homestead the past four seasons well in control. This year, he needs only to finish 25th or better to beat Hendrick teammate Mark Martin for the historic title. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Gordon to drive Hendrick for rest of Cup career Nov 22, 2009
Jeff Gordon to drive for Hendrick for rest of NASCAR Cup career - Racing - SI.com ... Jeff Gordon expects to drive NASCAR for three or four more seasons ... (AP) -- Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick expects Jeff Gordon to drive at least "three or four" more seasons and the four-time Cup champion says he has no immediate plans to retire. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson and Martin take title race into finale Nov 22, 2009
Mark Martin has lost to Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart some of NASCAR's greatest drivers in his frustrating bid for an elusive championship ... "He has raced and finished second to some of the all-time greats when they were in their prime, from Jeff Gordon to Dale Earnhardt. Has anyone (else) ever raced against that many champions in their prime and finished second? "He would have to be considered one of the all-time greats ... " He'll do it Sunday simply by finishing 25th or... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Johnson takes pole at Homestead Nov 22, 2009
Four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon, who still has second place within reach, qualified 20th ... (24) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 171. (Longview Daily News, WA)
NASCAR: It's a big day for Hendrick team, not just Johnson Nov 22, 2009
J. Pat Carter/Associated Press Not only is Jimmie Johnson, left, on the brink of winning an unprecedented fourth consecutive Sprint Cup title this afternoon in Florida, but if form holds, Hendrick's Big Three -- Johnson, Jeff Gordon, center, and Mark Martin -- could give Hendrick Motorsports the first sweep of the top three spots in Cup history ... Johnson, Martin and Jeff Gordon, all of whom race under the Hendrick flag, enter the finale 1-2-3 in the standings. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Helms Has Good Memories From The Force; Looks For More In Retirement Nov 22, 2009
Her future plans involve family, volunteering, camping, supporting Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon in the Nascar races, and riding motorcycles. Helms wants to spend time with her husband Kenny, seventh-grade daughter Victoria Cot-tongim, stepson Ken-neth, 17, and stepdaughter Kassey, 18. (The Fort Meade Leader, FL)
The Sprint Cup starting lineup Nov 22, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Sat, Nov 21, 2009 09:30 PMModified Sat, Nov 21, 2009 09:30 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Mike's Garage: Johnson's dominance unmatched in NASCAR history Nov 21, 2009
Domination was demonstrated by Jeff Gordon and crew chief Ray Evernham who won three Cups in four years in the mid 1990 s but it s nothing compared to the No. 48 team not even close. The last team in sports to demonstrate this kind of domination was when Billy Smith and the New York Islanders won four-straight Stanley Cup from 1979 to 1983. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Johnson claims pole at Miami-Homestead Nov 21, 2009
United front While four-time champion Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract to drive the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, Hendrick said he was unable to make the same commitment to Johnson. You know Jimmie and I tried to look at a lifetime deal, Hendrick said, before adding with a smile, I couldn t borrow enough money to make it work. (Boston Globe)
Johnson Signs Extension With Hendrick Through 2015 Nov 21, 2009
" Knaus' current contract is through the 2010 season, and he and Johnson have been partnered since Johnson's 2002 rookie year. "I think our goal and everybody's on the same page, keeping this thing together for the foreseeable future," Hendrick said. The Johnson extension locks up Hendrick's lineup in the Cup Series for the next several years. Martin this season agreed to a two-year extension through 2011, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has three years remaining on his contract and Hendrick said four-time... (KFOXTV.com, TX)
A twin win for Harvicks in Trucks Series finale Nov 21, 2009
Hornaday joined an elite list of drivers who have four national series championships, joining names like Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. Jimmie Johnson could get there Sunday, if he wins his fourth straight Chase crown. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Gordon wants to keep driving for Hendrick Nov 21, 2009
Jeff Gordon still has Cup title No. 5 in sight. And his boss expects Gordon to stick around a few more years to try and win at least one more. (Longview Daily News, WA)
TomBowlesInside Nascar What went wrong for the rest of the Chasers in 2009 Sprint Cup? Nov 21, 2009
Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, more - Tom Bowles - SI.com ... Jeff Gordon never recovered from his 15th place finish at New Hampshire. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Johnson takes pole Nov 21, 2009
Four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon, who still has second place within reach, qualified 20th. Johnson, Martin and Gordon are trying to give Hendrick Motorsports a 1-2-3 finish in the season points standings. (MSNBC -- Sports)
How far back is too far? And who's hot vs. who's not Nov 20, 2009
JEFF GORDON: Just couldn't close the deal late in races this season. BRAD KESELOWSKI/DENNY HAMLIN FEUD: Brad won't let up and Hamlin won't let it go. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson poised to break historic NASCAR reco... Nov 20, 2009
Jeff Gordon: Won his four championships between 1995 and 2001. But NASCAR's sixth-leading race winner has been eclipsed by the driver he brought to the sport Johnson. (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 ... Johnson, Martin and Jeff Gordon, all of whom race under the Hendrick flag, enter the finale 1-2-3 in the standings. (Longview Daily News, WA)
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 ... Johnson, Martin and Jeff Gordon, all of whom race under the Hendrick flag, enter the finale 1-2-3 in the standings. (Athens Banner-Herald)
BrantJamesInside Nascar For Jimmie Johnson, the PR whirl is just a background buzz. Nov 20, 2009
Jeff Gordon was NASCAR's original king of the big city, taking up part-time residence in New York, basking in the odd anonymity only eight million neighbors can provide, yet enjoying the benefits of life in the world's capital of culture and fame. Johnson, who is of decidedly middle class upbringing in El Cajon, Calif. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
MARTIN: Martin happy with career, Danica's NASCAR Nov 20, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon on NASCAR season - Bruce Martin - SI.com ... Martin has finished second in the championship to the late Dale Earnhardt in 1990 and 1994, to Jeff Gordon in 1998 and was runner-up to Tony Stewart in 2002 ... "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... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
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)
For Hendrick, a 1-2-3 finish might make history Nov 20, 2009
Jeff Gordon, who also drives under the Hendrick Motorsports flag, is third. The only time one ownership team has finished 1-2-3 for the year. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Hendrick looks for 1-2-3 sweep Nov 20, 2009
Johnson, Martin and Jeff Gordon, all of whom race under the Hendrick flag, enter the finale 1-2-3 in the standings. If they finish in those spots, Hendrick Motorsports would become the first team in NASCAR history to truly pull off that feat. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Who's hot and who's (or what's) not Nov 20, 2009
JEFF GORDON: Just couldn't close the deal late in races this season ... AVONDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 14: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, waits in the garage before practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 14, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Britt, 62, remembered as Darlington icon Nov 19, 2009
Web Search power 00004000 ed by YAHOO. Published Wed, Nov 18, 2009 10:51 PMModified Wed, Nov 18, 2009 10:51 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
NASCAR and auto racing » Nov 19, 2009
NASCAR and auto racing headlines. Formula Onechampion Jenson Button signed with McLaren on Wednesday to partner with Lewis Hamilton, giving the English team a potent lineup for next season featuring the most recent title holders. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Observer asks court to unseal France records Nov 18, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Wed, Nov 18, 2009 01:45 AMModified Wed, Nov 18, 2009 01:46 AM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
TomBowlesNascar Power Rankings Johnson tops Power Rankings with one week left in Chase. Nov 18, 2009
Jeff Gordon With a ninth-place run at Phoenix, Gordon's "Drive For Five" was postponed for an eighth straight year, a streak that's more frustrating for the sport's winningest active driver than he'd like to admit. While most would kill to be third in points, it's not difficult to sense the frustration of a four-time champ who sees himself as third-best within his own organization. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Owner's Title Still On The Line At Homestead Nov 18, 2009
He also joined Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon as those drivers who have won four or more NASCAR titles. Homestead will mark a career milestone for Hornaday, as he will make his 250th career Truck Series start. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Hendrick relishes impending 4-peat Nov 18, 2009
Since 1995, the year Hendrick Motorsports won its first championship with Jeff Gordon, Hendrick has presided over 149 victories - 127 from Gordon, who has all but two of his 82 career wins during that span, and Johnson (47) - with his team averaging almost 10 wins a season. Hendrick Motorsports recorded a team-high 18 wins in 2007, including 10 by Johnson and six by Gordon. (Boston Globe)
Owner's title still on in Truck Series Nov 18, 2009
He also joined Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon as those drivers who have won four or more NASCAR titles ... Jeff Gordon, currently third in points (-169), officially will be eliminated from championship contention when Johnson starts the 400-mile race in South Florida. (News & Observer -- Sports)
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)
Rewind | OK, so now Stewart's a mellow fellow? Nov 16, 2009
Although out of the championship hunt, Busch still believes he can catch Jeff Gordon and is looking to end the season with a win ... AVONDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 15: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 Dupont Chevrolet, leads a line of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway on November 15, 2009 in Avondale, Arizona ... TALLADEGA, AL - OCTOBER 30: Jeff Gordon (L), driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, stands in the garage with Tony Stewart,... (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson wins, back in Chase control Nov 16, 2009
Fellow Hendrick driver Jeff Gordon will be eliminated as soon as Johnson starts next week, and Johnsons win at Phoenix knocked everyone else out of contention ... Weve still got to go to Homestead and run like this again, because we still have heat behind us, Jeff Gordon, especially, Martin said ... I definitely have been beat by the best Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt. (MSNBC -- Sports)
2009 Sprint Cup Series Schedule Nov 16, 2009
April 5: Samsung 500 Texas; Jeff Gordon. April 18: Subway Fresh Fit 500 Phoenix; Mark Martin. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Johnson wins at Phoenix, closes in on title Nov 16, 2009
Lead-lap cars pitted, with Johnson coming off pit road first, followed by Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and Kurt Busch ... (14) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 312, 103. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Mike's Garage: NASCAR changes adversely affect racing at Talladega Nov 16, 2009
Jeff Gordon claimed the victory lane back in April at the 1. 5-mile TMS. Teammate Jimmie Johnson was right behind in the No. 2 slot. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
NASCAR: Johnson makes winning stand at Phoenix Nov 16, 2009
No matter what happens at Homestead next week, he's guaranteed a championship because only Johnson, Martin and Jeff Gordon are mathematically alive. "That's exactly what we needed," Hendrick said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Johnson wins Phoenix race, nears fourth NASCAR title Nov 16, 2009
" Despite the harsh reality of his position, Martin is refusing to concede to Johnson and said he won't let up next week in Homestead as he tries to at least stave off Gordon for second in the final standings. But should Johnson coast to the win, Martin, who finished fourth at Phoenix, said he will be fine. "We've still got to go to Homestead and run like this again, because we still have heat behind us, Jeff Gordon, especially," Martin said. "I definitely have been beat by the best Jeff Gordon,... (USA Today -- Sports)
Johnson joins most-dominant talk Nov 16, 2009
He seemingly opened a window of opportunity for his closest pursuers, Hendrick Motorsports teammates Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon, when he crashed 3 laps into last week's race at Texas Motor Speedway. But Johnson slammed their fingers in that window Sunday, taking his No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet past Kurt Busch for his first lead on Lap 56. (AZCentral -- Sports)
Victory lane: Roundup of the Auto Parts 500 Nov 16, 2009
(14) Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 312, $120,326. 10. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Johnson, Martin key picks for Phoenix Nov 15, 2009
The idea that Johnson's crew, with assorted members of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s teams, managed to repair the blitzed Lowe's Chevrolet was little short of remarkable and the fifteen points Johnson salvaged -- finishing 38th rather than 43rd -- might be the difference between first and second place this season. Regardless, his poor finish has given Gordon and Mark Martin hope that the Championship is still a possibility, albeit a vague one. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Martin OK with second this time Nov 15, 2009
"I'm such a huge are Mark Martin fan, always have been," Jeff Gordon said. "I battled with this guy in championships. He's such a tough competitor, and I feel like he deserves it. "I think that Mark Martin is a sentimental favorite, for sure. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Truex takes pole, Chase leader Johnson third in Phoenix qualifying Nov 14, 2009
By Mark J. Rebilas, US Presswire. Martin Truex Jr., left, talks with crew chief Kevin Manion during qualifying at Phoenix International Raceway. (USA Today -- Sports)
LINEUP: Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Nov 14, 2009
Truex takes pole, Chase leader Johnson third in Phoenix qualifying - USATODAY.com. Truex takes pole, Chase leader Johnson third in Phoenix qualifying. (USA Today -- Sports)
The Sprint Cup lineup at Phoenix Nov 14, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Published Fri, Nov 13, 2009 10:32 PMModified Fri, Nov 13, 2009 10:15 PM. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Truex on pole, Johnson third at PIR Nov 14, 2009
" Truex, who only two seasons ago made the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, fell far off the radar screen this season after finishing 15th last year and enters Sunday's 312-lap race No. 26 in the drivers standings. That's 25 positions behind Johnson, who is attempting to collar an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship. Johnson leads Martin by 73 points, but a week ago at Texas Motor Speedway it was a 184-point lead. Then, Lap 3 came and to Johnson it must have felt like Armageddon as his... (AZCentral -- Sports)
Martin won't admit it, but he has a shot Nov 14, 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)
Chase has become a hot pursuit Nov 14, 2009
Yeah, up until last week, things just seemed to be going really well, said Johnson, who leads Hendrick Motorsports teammates Mark Martin by 73 points and Jeff Gordon by 112. A lot of positive emotions and thoughts that went with all of that. (Boston Globe)
Johnson making most of lessons learned from Gordon Nov 13, 2009
Daily Journal Online - Park Hills, MO. The two drivers have become good friends in the eight years since Johnson joined Hendrick Motorsports, with Gordon spending many hours explaining the finer points of stock car racing and offering plenty of advice to his eager pupil. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Nascar: Gordon's time aids Johnson Nov 13, 2009
Jeff Gordon was on the verge of winning his fourth NASCAR championship as a driver when he made his debut as a co-owner and teammate for an unproven driver named Jimmie Johnson. The two drivers have become good friends in the eight years since Johnson joined Hendrick Motorsports, with Gordon spending many hours explaining the finer points of stock-car racing and offering plenty of advice to his eager pupil. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
A Step Above Rusty Jarrett/Getty ImagesPoints leader Jimmie Johnson is on his way to winning his fourth-straight Chase championship.No one has been as dominant as Jimmie Johnson has been over the last four years. Lars Anderson writes that's just one reason he's nominating Johnson as his Sportsman of the Year. Nov 12, 2009
Jeff Gordon, for instance, has been in several horrifying wrecks over the last five years -- more than any other driver. I don't think it's a coincidence that he hasn't won a championship over this time. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Driver notes Nov 12, 2009
Team notes: NASCAR heads to desert for next-to-last race - USATODAY.com. Team notes: NASCAR heads to desert for next-to-last race. (USA Today -- Sports)
Johnson's Chase challengers can't keep pace Nov 12, 2009
Jeff Gordon, third in points, 112 out: His Chase got off to a bad start with a mediocre 15th-place finish in the New Hampshire opener that stuck him in a significant hole. But he ran great the next five weeks, grabbing five finishes of sixth or better, including two second-places. (Longview Daily News, WA)
NASCAR - Sprint Cup - Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 Preview Nov 12, 2009
24 Jeff Gordon (Vallejo, CA) Chevrolet/DuPont ... Not to be overlooked is Jeff Gordon inthird, only 112 points behind ... Pole sitter Jeff Gordon was out in front for thefirst three laps and finished fourth. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Martin's optimism gives him winning edge Nov 12, 2009
Jeff Gordon won the championship and had 13 wins. Close behind was Martin, with seven wins. (News & Observer -- Sports)
TomBowlesNascar Power Rankings He crashed in Texas, but Jimmie Johnson won't lose the Chase. Nov 11, 2009
Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Jeff GordontopNASCAR Power Rankings - Tom Bowles - SI.com ... Jeff Gordon Ready for your SAT question ... Under the old points format, he'd be leading Jeff Gordon by 93 and Jimmie Johnson by 94 heading to Phoenix, with that Lap 3 wreck opening a window to his third Cup Series title. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Drivers get by with help from friends Nov 11, 2009
- The top three drivers in the Chase for the Championship are Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon ... - The top three drivers in the Chase for the Championship are Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Chase far from being settled with two races to go Nov 10, 2009
The view from Johnson's rearview mirror has Hendrick Motorsports teammates Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon closing in with two races remaining on the schedule. Martin finished fourth and moved to within 73 points of Johnson, and Gordon narrowed his gap to 112 markers after a 13th-place run. (News & Observer -- Sports)
LarsAndersonInside Nascar Why Mark Martin's bid at winning the title suddenly looks brighter. Nov 10, 2009
Martin didn't take full advantage of Johnson's crash, but he certainly didn't pull a Jeff Gordon either. Gordon is no doubt kicking himself today because of the opportunity he missed at Texas. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Jimmie Johnson Wrecks on 3rd Lap in Texas Nov 10, 2009
It looked like a makeshift body shop in the garage area, with crew members from teammate Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. helping out. All were scurrying around a car that was basically being rebuilt. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Updated – and unofficial – driver standings Nov 10, 2009
Updated and unofficial driver standings - Racing - NewsObserver. Web Search powered by YAHOO. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Kurt Busch wins as leader wrecks, Chase tightens Nov 10, 2009
Web Search powered by YAHOO. Roy's new book: Read an from "Hard Work: A Life On and Off the Court". (News & Observer -- Sports)
