Originally written for CLNS Radio.
Jimmie Johnson clinched his sixth Sprint Cup Series
championship with a ninth place finish on Sunday.
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| Jimmie Johnson hoists the Sprint Cup Championship. He is now only one title away from tying Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty. (Photo courtesy NASCAR via Getty Images) |
Johnson came into the day with a 28-point lead over
Matt Kenseth, and a 34-point lead over Kevin Harvick. He was able to hang on to the points lead
after Kenseth finished second and Harvick finished 10th.
Johnson beat Kenseth by 19 points.
Johnson said he doesn't discount what he and his
team have been able to accomplish.
"I am lost for words," Johnson told
ESPN. "I'm so honored to drive for
this race team and I'm so honored to have a six-pack."
Johnson said he credits his team with helping him be
as consistent as he has been.
"I think it's the relationship we have and the
bond we have as a team. I don't know how
it happens, but I'm excited it does and I'm happy it does."
Johnson's team owner Rick Hendrick said he was proud
of his team for all their hard work.
"We're like a big family and these guys work
hard and all the teams work together," Hendrick said in victory lane. "I never thought I'd win one of these
things, let alone 11."
"Matt Kenseth and the Gibbs crowd are great
guys, but these guys worked their butts off and hopefully we can get a few
more."
Johnson's first five championships came during a
record-breaking stretch when he won five in a row between 2006-2010. During that time, he became the first person
to win five consecutive championships, breaking Cale Yarborough's record of
three-straight.
Johnson now stands on the doorstep of even more
history. He is now only one championship
away from tying the all-time record, held by Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt.
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