I have seen this question posed about Dale Jr. and it got me thinking about who else could be overrated in Nascar. Let me point out that i neither like nor dislike JJ as a driver, and that i am no fan of HMS as a team. Also let me say that i think Jimmie is a good driver. However I think his success outweighs his ability.
What does that mean you say?? It means that i think if you put any number of "good drivers" in the 48 with Chad Knaus as crewchief, they would put up "great driver" numbers.
The proof you ask?? Well there really isn't any, but let me ask you this. Did anyone know who Jimmie Johnson was prior to 2002, when he won 3 races. Lets look at his history..
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He started out racing motorcycles and off-road trucks. He did well here, but is off-road racing a sign of a great Nascar driver. No, see Robby Gordon for defense exibit A.
He then went on to run ASA and the then Busch series. In 1999 he ran a full ASA season winning twice and finishing 3rd in points. Is being a good ASA driver a sign of a great NASCAR driver. No, see Frank Kimmel for defense exibit B. In 2000 and 01 he ran full Busch seasons, finishing 10th and 8th in pts. Sure sign of greatness, Nope see Elton Sawyer ( finished higher in pts both years) for defense exhibit C.
Then in 2002 a miracle for Jimmy happened. He came to Sprint Cup in great equipment (the HMS 48) and was paired with Chad Knaus. Low and behold a 3 win rookie season and finished 5th in season points.
We all know the rest of the story. Now before you start the angry, your a JJ hater, comments. Please note i am not saying that Jimmy is a bad driver. I just think that Chad Knaus's ability to adapt the car to changing track conditions, with the obvious quality of HMS cars adds up to a package that would make any good driver into a "great one"
I would love to see what would happen if you put Jr into the 48 and JJ in the 88. My guess is that Jr would start competing and Jimmy would be begging to go back to the 48.
So anyway, that just my opimion i could be wrong, but probably not. Let the angry comments begin.....
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Obviously Johnson has the best crew chief in Nascar but Jimmie has to be doing something right to hold on and win three titles in a row.
ReplyDeleteEven if Johnson is overated those three titles will put him with the all time greats of Nascar.
One thing that JJ has going for him is that he doesn't pop off at the mouth and act's in an intelligent manner.
The best know that they are good and do not tell the world with words but rather actions. Having humility goes along way.
The only time I could really remember Johnson having an attitude was last year for the Fall race at Charlotte. Jeff Burton outdrove him as Jimmie burned his tires up and faded late. You could tell with Jimmie's interview that he was not pleased but he stil held the line.