Your 2006 Nextel Cup champ
No surprise: It's Jimmie Johnson.
Johnson came into today's race at Homestead with a 63-point lead over Matt Kenseth. He drove a safe, smart race, came home ninth and ceded just 7 points to Matt Kenseth. Not bad for a former junkyard racer who once camped out on the leather couch in Ron Hornaday's spare bedroom. (Those stories and more on Johnson's early years are here.
If you're a Jimmie Johnson fan, enjoy the night. If you're a fan of anyone else, the Daytona 500 is three months from yesterday.
Comments (6)
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I'm actually relieved that JJ finally won his 1st championship! It's been a long-time coming, no doubt!
But, honestly I was really hoping that #6 would've been able to get it this year - in his final. Yes, feeling pity...
Then, thinking of my orange fav #20, Tony Stewart - I was hoping that he could've won the last race - just because!
Now, my most fav, Little E - #8..., I knew he wasn't going to win the championship, but I started to get excited when he lead some laps, using the high line, etc... I kept hoping and waiting for him to come back into the top after his pit crew lost him a bunch! Too damn bad! Man, when he's doin' good, he's hot!
And..., wait... #9, Kasey Khane --- and #1, Truex, Jr and Biffle! Super cool and awesome racing!
Posted on November 20, 2006 1:57 AM
By lap 160something, I gave up hope on Matt Kenseth and just dealt with that fact that Jimmie had it. I'm already counting the days til '07. Are we there yet?
Posted on November 20, 2006 11:44 AM
I knew the part about Harvick sleeping on Hornaday's couch, was unaware that Johnson stayed there as well.
Maybe if Ron slept on the couch the old #14 Conseco car would still be on the track.
Posted on November 20, 2006 4:27 PM
Ouch, Mark. In all fairness, Larry Foyt ruined that number once and for all.
I always wondered by Ron Hornaday (of all people) was driving one of Kevin Harvick's Busch Series cars. It's further evidence that everyone in NASCAR has a two-degrees-of-separation-thing going rather than the standard six.
Posted on November 20, 2006 10:33 PM
That, plus Ron is still a very good, tough driver.
Posted on November 20, 2006 11:19 PM
No problem John, I just always wanted to see Hornaday in a top Cup car. It always bothered him that Big E never put him in one of the DEI cup cars.
One of the pleasant memories I have of the 2001 Daytona 500 is Hornaday passing Big E in the 14 car. That draft always tends to even things out.
Posted on November 21, 2006 9:53 AM