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 | Battle for the Cup Three-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson increased his lead atop the standings heading into the eighth week of the Chase. Check out the top 12. NBCSports.com |
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"He has one of the best feels for how a race will go and what he needs to do," said team owner Rick Hendrick. "He never flinches. I would never be able to make that call — never."
NASCAR devised the Chase playoff system in hopes of adding a little drama to its fall races, when many casual fans turn their attention to football.
It's not working out so well. Even on a warm, sunny day, the turnout in Atlanta was estimated at 80,000 — some 45,000 short of capacity. There were gaping holes of empty seats on the front straightaway, perhaps an indication of how Johnson has sucked all the drama out of this season.
Which is just the way he likes it. Let others duke out in the garage, as Edwards and Kevin Harvick did a few weeks ago, or moan about NASCAR's ever-changing rules, as Tony Stewart seems to do every time he opens his mouth.
"I can't be like Stewart and cause a hurricane. It just doesn't work for me," Johnson said. "I race people with respect. I try to settle it on the track. I'm no pushover by any means. That's just my style."
There's even a mathematical chance Johnson could clinch the title next week in Texas. If he leaves there up 323 points over the competition, he would need only to start the final two races to become the first driver since Cale Yarborough (1976-78) to win three consecutive championships.
A long shot, yes. But not out of the question with this guy.
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