Jimmie Johnson has been setting race track history and firmly installing himself as one of the greatest drivers of all times since he began racing with NASCAR back in 2002.
Johnson won the NASCAR Cup Series five years in a row from 2006-2010 and he was the Sprint All-Star Race Winner in 2003, 2006, 2012 & 2013. He won the Daytona 500 in 2006 & 2013 and continues to dominate NASCAR racing year after year.
Between his beginnings with NASCAR back in 2002, Jimmie Johnson has won 64 races, recorded 263 top ten finishes and won 31 pole positions.
Therefore, it is no surprise to find Jimmie back on top in the competition for the Sprint Cup once again. Nevada sportsbooks have posted him as a 3-2 favorite to win the 2013 Sprint Cup Championship for the sixth time. Johnson is also listed at 5-1 to take the Geico 400 at Chicagoland Speedway… the first of the 10 race “Chase” series that will determine the Sprint Cup Champ once again this year.
Las Vegas oddsmakers have such respect for Johnson and his prowess behind the wheel of his #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS, which he drives for Hendrick Motorsports, that he is still given favored status despite less than stellar performances in his last four outings on the oval track. Johnson finished no better than 28th in any of the four… but still, he is the favorite… once again.
It must be noted that, although Johnson did not do well in those last four races, he was never bumped out of first place in the driver standings. That’s how good he is. So good that he can be afforded an occasional mulligan and still come out on top.
Jimmie Johnson also has the backing of what is probably the best pit crew and the best crew chief in the business. That is an important consideration in a sport where the equipment is often tested more than the driver’s involved. Johnson is still in his prime and shows no sign of slowing down at this point in his career.
Here is a look at what the top contenders look like for the 2013 Sprint Cup Championship.
