There are a few ways to describe Jimmie Johnson after his fourth straight NASCAR title. We'll go with one: Superman.
Johnson looked unbeatable for most of The Chase, and even when it looked exciting after he crashed out at Texas, 'JJ' came back to win the title with a brilliant run at Homestead.
Here are some of my highlights and lowlights of the NASCAR season...
The 'Superman' Award: Jimmie Johnson (Hendrick)
It's hard to argue with seven wins and a fourth straight title and domination of 'The Chase', isn't it? Johnson's also a decent guy, a good interviewee for Sky Sports, and very likeable indeed. Which is annoying!
One giant leap: Johnson looks out over New York City
The 'Stand Up While We Applaud' Award: Mark Martin (Hendrick)
Mark Martin drove his car to five wins, a second place in the standings, and he never gave up hope of a first-ever title. If this was his swansong, then congratulations, Mark Martin: it's been a hell of a ride.
The 'Best Finish' Award
Thanks to late-race cautions, NASCAR races are rarely won at a canter. But the finish in the Spring Race at Talladega, which saw Carl Edwards' car take off on the final corner after he was hit by Brad Keselowski, was breathtaking. The 'Chase Race' at 'Dega wasn't bad either.
The 'Best Track Award'
Talladega's got to top them all this year for sheer excitement, although once again Bristol comes close. We wish we could see more restrictor plate or short track races on the NASCAR schedule instead of a bunch of 1.5 mile dullards. It's grating on all of us.
The 'Thumbs Down' Award: Kyle Busch (Joe Gibbs)
After virtually handing 'Rowdy' the NASCAR title before the 2009 season had started, we felt a little stupid when the No.18 car failed to get into the Chase and blew its chances of winning a first title. Busch is still one of the best on the circuit, and we know that 13th best won't stand well for him.
The 'Feeling Let Down' Award
Every year Dale Earnhardt Jr is over-hyped, and every year, Dale Earnhardt Jr disappoints. Junior fans must be used to their driver - the most popular on the circuit - no longer battling it out for the lead. Course he's been unlucky, but how much more can Rick Hendrick stand?
The 'Second Feeling Let Down' Award
Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne won shortened versions of two of NASCAR's showpiece events - the Daytona 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. Rain, rain, go away. Please!
'The Hoping For' Award
That the 2010 Homestead finale is a 'winner takes all' battle between two Chase drivers on even points. That there's no rain at Daytona or Charlotte or anywhere else that could ruin a finish That Dale Earnhardt Jr has a renaissance, and that Mark Martin continues his with a title. That more cars get sponsorship and more people come to races. Damn you, recession!
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