Jimmie Johnson likes to make history. His biggest history
making accomplishment thus far has been winning five straight Sprint Cup Series
Championships. Saturday in Daytona, Johnson added one more major accomplishment
to his resume, a Daytona sweep.
After taking the win in the Great American Race to kick off
the season, Johnson came back to the track for the second time this season and
showed the racing world just what he was made of. Johnson’s victory in the Coke
Zero 400 made him the first driver in more than 30 years to sweep the Daytona
races in more than 30 years.
The last driver to accomplish such a feat was legendary
driver Bobby Allison back in 1982; 31 years ago.
"I don't think I made a bad move tonight. I'm pretty
proud of that," Johnson said after the race. "Gosh, growing up in
Southern California and watching Bobby Allison ... to do anything Bobby has
done is pretty special."
Johnson’s win in Daytona kept him on top of the points
standings and also tied him with Matt Kenseth with the most wins this
season; four. Johnson has spent all but
two weeks at the top of the standings this season. To say he has dominated this
season would be an understatement.
After two seasons of missing out on the coveted Championship
trophy, Johnson is more determined than ever to return to the top where he
belongs. Mr. Five-Time, as his fans have dubbed him, is on a quest to be the
best driver NASCAR has ever had. If he can win two more championships before he
retires, he will tie the legendary Dale Earnhardt and the King Richard Petty.
But that isn’t what Johnson wants; he wants more.
Johnsons goal before he hangs up the fire suit is simple,
eight Championships, something that no driver has ever accomplished before.
Johnson is well on his way to getting his six-pack, and no, I’m not talking
about his fitness level. If Johnson and the rest of the No.48 crew from
Hendrick Motorsports keep on the path that they have been on this season, being
on the top of the standings after the checkered flag flies in Homestead won’t
be too far of a reach.
Only four other drivers have accomplished what Johnson did
on Saturday night and him adding his name to that list something that Johnson
fans and race fans alike will remember for a long time. Johnson and his team
show no signs of slowing down and don’t look for this to be the last time he
makes history this season.