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StumblePublished Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 | 4:11 p.m.
Updated Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 | 4:24 p.m.
From a records standpoint, a fourth consecutive Cup title by Jimmie Johnson would be a historic accomplishment that could stand unbroken for decades. But this isn’t the only championship scenario heading into the last 10 races that I find intriguing.
The last owner-driver to win the Cup was Alan Kulwicki in 1992. Now, 17 years later, Tony Stewart, who enters the Chase in the second position, is within striking distance of repeating Kulwicki’s feat.
Stewart’s path to a possible championship as an owner-driver is much different than the one taken by Kulwicki. Kulwicki’s operation was smaller, cheaper, and mostly run and controlled by Kulwicki himself. Stewart’s team has staff members with MBAs and engineering degrees, not to mention top-dollar sponsorship, and big factory support from an auto manufacturer. Stewart also was in the fortunate position to have a team owner approaching him with a killer deal. What driver would say no to someone who was basically willing to turn over the keys of his operation?
I’m not suggesting that because Stewart has had more tools at his disposal that a championship by him would be less of an accomplishment. Each driver has had to face his own set of challenges, some of which are unique to each period. The level of competition is so fierce now that it’s difficult for even well- established teams to win championships (that is, unless we’re talking about the No. 48 organization.) And the fact that Haas Racing wasn’t exactly a powerhouse team when Stewart took the reigns is another potential stumbling block that Stewart has overcome.
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But regardless of the circumstances and the obstacles that an owner-driver faces, the fact that Stewart, in his first year as an owner-driver, might accomplish a feat that hasn’t been reached in 17 years would make a Cup victory by him even more impressive. Kulwicki’s success encouraged other drivers to take the owner-driver route. And that route often led to limited success. Even if Stewart doesn’t win the championship this year, his success this season will be a phenomenal accomplishment.
YES, the chase is Tony's (crew) to loose. if Tony looses it will be lost in the pits.
Let's not get too caught up in the whole Tony Stewart as an owner-driver thing. He's basically a fifth team for Hendrick Motor Sports. Had he been truly on his own this season he wouldn't be anywhere near the top 12.
It's still impressive what Stewart has accomplished as several more established teams did not make the chase but there's no way you can compare this to Kulwicki's achievement. Go Underbird!!!
I've got to pull for Mark Martin. Class, and close too many times. I also agree with 007, Stewart is one of the best and he's had a great year but he is running on Hendrick horsepower... If you're looking for a Kulwicki comparison as owner-driver... If Robby Gordon were in the Chase...
Well, Junior has a Hendrick engine and I don't see him in the Chase. And Tony is running his own organization with his hand picked employees, so suggesting he's an arm of Hendrick is silly.Comparison or not, a Cup title by an owner/driver this year would be a big deal.
Junior also has Hendrick chassis...... so much for the Tony is the 5th team argument. funny how facts work
Stewart has Hendrick engines and chassis -- which means Hendrick race cars. Which means the #14 might as well be a fifth Hendrick car.
As far as Junior having pretty much the same equipment as Stewart, that just goes to show you Junior is not the driver Stewart is.
Stewart's accomplish is still awesome and I'm not taking anything away from him. But let's face it, do you really think he'd be in the chase if Stewart/Haas was building its own chassis and engines?
I dont know if the readers are aware that Joe Gibbs Racing Team goes to Camp Leajune,N.C. And supports our Marines and I just want to say THANK YOU!!I have been a Joe Gibbs fan since the Redskins days.But sorry Joe I really would like Jimmy to win that 4th title.
The product that nascar has put out there today,dosent compare with the nascar of yesteryear!Then it was beaten and banging,cheating,and anything else you could get away with you and your car!Today they have it so sugar coated that it almost makes you puke!And if the drivers say anything,or do anything,it costs them dearly.
see comment #1, ie; tony's team