Denny Hamlin did what he needed to do. He went to Texas and finished in front of Jimmie Johnson. He also happened to win the race, and now is the NASCAR Sprint Cup point’s leader. Since Denny runs very well at Phoenix and Homestead we have to count him the favorite to dethrone four time cup champion Johnson. Speaking of Johnson and his #48 team this race, much like the Texas chase race last year, proved that they are indeed human, and it looks like the best he is right now is the third best team. At least that is true for this week.
Before the 2010 Sprint Cup season started many of us counted Denny has the favorite to finally knock Johnson out of championship form. Throughout the 2010 Cup season he has certainly been that. He won six regular season races, and has backed that up with two wins in the 8 chase races so far. Remember Denny finished third and first in the final two races last season. If he can duplicate those strong runs the title is his to lose.
He knows has a 33 point lead over Jimmie, and a 59 point lead over third place Kevin Harvick. Of course all three drivers tend to run very well at Phoenix so next week the ratings should be very good as the NASCAR chase has finally delivered what it has been promising all these years, close action where the race for the title comes down to the final weekend at Homestead.
For the good of NASCAR someone not named Jimmie Johnson really needs to win the title. NASCAR TV ratings and live attendance have suffered due to the economy as well as Johnson’s dominance. Since NASCAR will attempt to Jimmie proof the chase starting next year, Denny bumping him off in his prime is the best storyline NASCAR could have hoped for.
Related Links:
- MTR Auto Racing
- Joshua Lobdell.com