Today, I'm going to hit you up with a little philosophy.
That's right, I'm a multi-threat like that.
Late in Sunday's race at Martinsville, we had Denny Hamlin leading, Jimmie Johnson second and Juan Pablo Montoya third. My question to you: If you were Mr. Montoya, would you have put a little chrome horn to Johnson to take away second and perhaps cut into the 48's points lead?
In a video game, I don't hesitate to use the bumper, but that's just in a video game. Awesome as they may be, it's still not real life. That's probably why the Super Mario Brothers don't answer my letters.
But, if I'm running Lap 499 at Martinsville, sitting within viewing distance of the points lead, that's a whole other story. I dig racing hard for the lead, but it might be hard to justify turning somebody for second place, even if it would make a huge points swing.
If you could, oh-so-gently, nudge your fellow competitor out of the way and casually take that position, would you? Maybe give them a little thank-you wave as you pass by; maybe that's OK. It's a fine line.
So I turn to you, my loyal reading audience. Step up to the plate and let us know what your take on the subject is. How hard are you willing to race for second or for points? Does it make any difference if it's Jimmie Johnson or any other driver? Bring it on by leaving a comment below or sending me an e-mail at ESPNMattWillis@yahoo.com.
The long and the short
Some drivers mentioned after the Martinsville race that all we'd talk about is how much Jimmie Johnson extended his lead on them with his runner-up run. So, in deference to them, I'm not even going to bring it up. Instead, let me clear the cabinet with a potpourri of Denny Hamlin notes.
First of all, we have to start considering Hamlin just as much of a Martinsville threat as Johnson. Hamlin now has seven straight finishes of sixth or better at Martinsville. In those seven races, Hamlin's won twice, while Johnson's won the other five.
Also, for the 2009 season, Hamlin led more than half of the total laps run at Martinsville. I crowned him a championship contender heading into the Chase, and some bad luck took him out of it. But let me take this chance to consider Hamlin a serious threat for the 2010 title.
Trivia break: Who were the only two drivers with a top-10 finish in all six short-track races this year?
Going streaking again
If you're a regular reader of the blog, then I owe you a big hug. If you're not, you don't know what you're missing out on. Seriously, what do you want from me? I'm doing the best I can.
Deep breath. Dry tears.
Anyway, I wrote last week that Johnson had 14 straight top-10 finishes at Martinsville, which was obviously extended to 15. That's tied for the third-longest streak ever at any track, behind only Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty, both of whom had 18 at North Wilkesboro.
Also, it's worth mentioning that Jeff Gordon extended his equally impressive streak of top-5 finishes at Martinsville to 10. Just another note to keep an eye on next spring.
Trivia break: Jimmie Johnson has the second-best average finish at Martinsville among drivers who have started there at least five times. Who's the best?
Point taken
Let's face it: Jimmie Johnson is good. Darn good. But is this his top Chase performance ever? Leave it to me, your friendly neighborhood researcher, to help you out. How else, but with a list!
Most Chase points through six races, all-time
Season -- Driver -- Points
2009 -- Jimmie Johnson -- 1,068
2008 -- Jimmie Johnson -- 1,033*
2007 -- Jeff Gordon -- 1,015
2004 -- Kurt Busch -- 995*
2007 -- Jimmie Johnson -- 942*
* Went on to win championship
Of course, Gordon in 2007 didn't go on to win the championship, but so far, a 3.0 average finish would easily put Johnson atop the list of best Chase performances and would set a tough mark to beat.
Trivia break: In NASCAR's modern era, what was the biggest points deficit made up with four races to go?
Trivia break answers
1) Mark Martin and Ryan Newman had top-10s in all six short-track races this season.
2) Dick Hutcherson holds the record with a 3.8 mark, still ahead of Jimmie Johnson's 5.1.
3) In 1992, Alan Kulwicki came back from 144 back with just four races left to win the title.
Matt Willis
