Jimmie Johnson Wins 2009 Sprint Cup Championship

While one driver won his fourth race of the season at Homestead, another driver made NASCAR history.  No other driver in Sprint Cup Series history, not Petty, Earnhardt, Yarbarough, Pearsons, Waltrip, or Gordon, has ever won four straight Sprint Cup series championships.  Jimmie Johnson can now take his place in the history books as the only driver to win four consecutive Sprint Cup series championships.  Johnson did exactly what he had to do, keep Mark Martin in his rear view mirror at all times, and finish strong.  Thanks to his fifth place finish, Johnson was able to bring home the Cup, once again. ”The truth of it is”, Johnson said, “ to do something that’s never been done in this sport — to love the sport like I do and respect it like I do — and the greats: Petty, Earnhardt, Gordon … to do something they’ve never done is so awesome. To win four championships in eight years, what this team has done … I don’t know where to start. It’s unbelievable.”

Another driver, Denny Hamlin, was able to win his fourth race of the year, ending the 2009 season with a statement, that he will be a contender next season for the Cup Championship.  Sometimes, the race winner at Homestead is often forgotten, with the champion taking the shine off a tremendous victory.  However, there is no ignoring the hard charging Hamlin and the #11 Toyota. ”We’re going to be there, I promise you,” Hamlin said. “I promise you, the next couple years, we’re going to win the championship. But right now, there’s no one more deserving than Jimmie.”

Mark Martin, who finished for the fifth time in his career, second in the points standings, couldn’t help admire his teammate: “congratulations to Hendrick Motorsports, to Jimmie Johnson, Superman.”

Here’s how they finished for the Ford 400 at Homestead:

It has been a pleasure bringing you all the exciting action from the 2009 Sprint Cup season. We had it all; history, comebacks, falls from greatness, and redemption.  2010 will no doubt be even more exciting with drivers changing homes, new sponsors, and new story lines. 

See you in February for the Great American Race.  We leave you, as we have all season, with the final Sprint Cup Series Points Standings: