And so the debate officially begins. Where do we insert Jimmie Johnson on the list of best-ever drivers -- and won't this be fun?

Keeping in mind that Johnson is far from retiring and that his numbers could alter all of this: The curtain is pulled, the ballot is issued and here is one person's vote.

As a NASCAR wheelman: Johnson ranks third. In front of him are Richard Petty and David Peason.

What the 2009 season showed me about Johnson is that he is not merely a product of the Hendrick system. Nor is he Chad Knaus' marionette. The guy can drive a stock car, you know? Perhaps he does not get the credit he deserves because he makes it look so dang easy. The great ones can do that.

Like on Sunday at Homestead. A bad decision to pit put him back with the squirrels. Just as you started thinking that that is what the Chase needed, he had worked his way clear of trouble and was setting sail for the top five.

The gap between first and third in this category is closer than you might think. Johnson may not have the numbers of Petty and Pearson, but those guys ran in different times. Times, some would argue, that were not as competitive as Johnson's.

As an American wheelman: Johnson slides down the list here. I rank him seventh. Not that that is bad when you consider that two of the guys in front of him -- Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt -- are quite simply two of the absolute best of all time and not just in America. Only the great Ayrton Senna -- and perhaps Michael Schumacher -- ranks up there with those two on my ballot.

But I also put Al Unser Jr. ahead of Johnson. Little Al was incredible and does not get the credit he should have. He had the talent to win the world championship.

And I put Mark Donohue ahead of Johnson as well -- with an admission of personal bias.

Then, previously mentioned Petty and Pearson.

Johnson heads the group that includes John Force, Steve Kinser and now Tony Schumacher, Dale Earnhardt, Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Gordon and Hurley Haywood.

As a NASCAR Hall of Fame candidate: First ballot.

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I figure Johnson will race another five years minimum. He has at least one more championship in him and at least 25 more race victories. All these are conservative estimates.

By the time he is eligible, Johnson will have shoo-in numbers and will still be young enough to look good at the induction ceremony.

(Note: In recent voting for the new NASCAR Hall of Fame, I did not vote for Pearson. Why do I rank him second as a wheelman and not vote him into the first class? Different deal. The HOF is not just about driving ability. It is about impact on the sport).

Jim Pedley is managing editor of Racin' Today. Read more NASCAR news at racintoday.com.

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