Jimmy Johnson 3-Peats

Some of the finest sports franchises can't do it, and yet Jimmie Johnson capturing his third straight NASCAR Sprint Cup series championship has gone under the radar in the wide world of sports.

Despite the fact that NASCAR is one of the most watched sports in the nation, Jimmie Johnson’s record-tying feat has barely received any attention.

With all of the hype surrounding popular drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jeff Gordon, NASCAR’s most successful driver over the last three years continues to fly under the radar.

Yes, that is Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet, and defending three-time champion. He drives under NASCAR’s most successful owner, Rick Hendrick, and is teammates with Junior and Gordon.

Johnson is rarely surrounded in controversy, which is probably the main reason why he doesn’t receive the popularity to rival his two superstar teammates.

Over seven full seasons in NASCAR’s premier series, Johnson has racked up 40 wins, 101 top five finishes, and an average finish of 11th place. Over his career, he has been a model for consistency and class.

Johnson is kind of the quiet assassin that you can rely on. Even when he struggled at the beginning of the season, he kept himself in the top 12 and got himself into the chase. In those final 10 races, he propelled his way to the lead and never looked back.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is my driver without a doubt. I’ve followed NASCAR my whole life. When I was five, I could recite every driver's name, car number, manufacturer, and sponsor. I cried when my childhood idol Dale Earnhardt Sr. passed away on Feb. 18, 2001.

It’s one of my favorite sports to watch, and although it pains me to say it, Jimmie Johnson has been one of the most consistent drivers over a three year span. I actually hate when he wins, because he does it so often. I felt the same way about Jeff Gordon during his championship days.

I guess it’s a sense of envy as I’m still waiting for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to capture a championship. Patiently waiting as Jimmy Johnson breaks records not even Dale Junior’s legendary father could accomplish.

A three-peat in NASCAR’s premier series is something rare and special that should be recognized and celebrated whether you like, dislike, or don’t even follow Jimmy Johnson.

Next season he will march towards an unprecedented fourth straight championship, and who’s going to stop him?

Whoever it is, let it be known that I will be rooting for them!