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Is it time to start comparing Jimmie Johnson to the great legends of NASCAR like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt? It’s an understatement to say that Jimmie’s record-tying third consecutive championship is phenomenal, but I don’t feel comfortable including him in the company of Earnhardt and Petty just yet.
You could argue that Jimmie’s three-peat is a greater accomplishment than Cale Yarborough’s three consecutive championships due to the high level of competition in the sport today. But to me, the record of seven championships, set by Petty and Earnhardt, is still the Mount Everest of NASCAR.
Remember when fans used to contemplate the idea of seeing Jeff Gordon reach seven championships? That seems a little less likely today, especially since Jeff has hinted that he may not want to be driving past the age of forty. Acquiring seven Cup trophies is a staggering feat even for the most talented driver and it will stand as a record for years to come.
Nevertheless, could Jimmie be in the same league as these drivers at some point in his career? There’s little doubt that he’s headed in that direction.
I don't think there can be any comparison. When Richard and Dale were winning championships, the point system was entirely different than today. There was not reset of the top 10 drivers, in fact it would be questionable if Jimmie Johnson would have won this year if the old point system was still intact.
Things like "Lucky Dog" didn't exist, you raced to the yellow and weren't automatically given back your lap. Now being the first one a lap down, gets his lap back, even if he is half a track away.
BRING BACK RACING!!!!
You have to remember that Dale Earnhardt raced for several different owners winning championships with 2 of them. He also raced Pontiaces, Fords, Chevrolets and a Dodge winning with the GM & Ford brands. Also, he has several different crew chiefs. If Jeff Gordon or Jimy Johnson ever go race for someone else, then maybe we can compare them to the likes of Petty or Earnhardt.
He should be compared to DW or Yarborough.
Mike ~ Richard and Dale may have a lot in common,
but seven championships isn't one of them. Dale only got four. The same amount as Jeff. There ARE
some differences between the NASCAR of today and
the NASCAR of yesterday. Yesterday any mechanic
could build an engine, (everything else was already there). And anyone brave enough to try could drive one. That certainly isn't the NASCAR of today. If you want more examples, I'm sure I or any number of TRUE fans can give you alot more.
Dale only won four championships?! How do you figure that?!
Hey showme --- Dale won SEVEN championships: 1980, 86, 87, 90, 91, 93 and 94. And you call yourself a "TRUE fan"? C'mon, that's NASCAR 101.