Boxbusters

As anyone following NASCAR knows by now, Jimmie Johnson has won his 4th consecutive Sprint Cup Title.  It comes as no surprise, considering Johnson had a 108 point lead going in to today’s season ending race at Miami Homestead.  To clinch the title, Johnson just needed to finish 25th or better.  In 61 years, no one has ever accomplished this feat in NASCAR.  For years, NASCAR went by a complex point system which awarded wins and consistency.  This system for some reason, was replaced in 2004 by what is now known as “The Chase.”  If you are not familiar with the “Chase” format – click here for an explanation.  Really however, all you need to know is this:  Under the old points system (1948-2003) only ONE man won more than 2 consecutive titles: Cale Yarborough, won 3 in a row 1975, 1976, and 1977.  That is 55 years of racing that included Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon and none of these guys even had 3 in a row.  Now enter “The Chase” (2004-2009)  In just 6 short years, we already have a driver that has won 4 consecutive titles.

Think about that for a minute.

The old system was around for 55 years and not one guy managed to win 4 in a row.  “The Chase” has been around for 6 years and we already have seen “history.”  History that would not be taking place had NASCAR left the old points system in place.  Under the old system, Jimmie would not be anywhere close to having 4 consecutive titles, as you can see below.

Under the OLD points system these would be your past champions:

2004 – Jeff Gordon

2005 – Tony Stewart

2006 – Jimmie Johnson

2007 – Jeff Gordon

2008 – Carl Edwards

While Jimmie is busy thanking his car owners, sponsors, crew chief and teammates, I for one hope he doesn’t forget to mention “The Chase” and the idiots behind it. After all, they are the real reason Jimmie is rewriting “history.”

~ Ross News