Jimmie Johnson Proves He's Still The Man to Beat

 What a differance a week makes.

 After dropping out of last weeks Daytona 500, Jimmie Johnson showed why he is the Four Time Sprint Cup Champion. Watching Juan Pablo Montoya drive off to a 3 1/2 second lead in only 15 laps, it only took JJ another 15 before the best crew chief in the game came over the radio to announce " New Leader #48 ".

 By lap 20, three of the four Hendrick cars were in the top 15. Sadly the only team not there was that darn #88. Orange paint scheme and all, Dale Jr. just didn't have a good day. California has not been his favorite track, but like last year, all other HMS cars seem to just be better.

 Sure Dale Jr. made some gains during the race, but nothing to create the excitement of last week. He did manage to crack the top twenty with 100 to go, but a broken drive shaft plate exiting the pits ended his chances. The 88 crew made the neccesary repairs, but by that point Jr. was 12 laps of the pace.

 The only cars that seemed poised to run down that #48 were RCR teammates Kevin Harvick, Clint Boyer, and Jeff Burton. Remarkably, Harvick and Boyer were both caught speeding on pit road. They managed to over come the penalty and race back to the front. Jeff Burton on the other hand was just plain consistant all day.

 On a racetrack where 4 and 5 wide racing is the norm, this years race was definately not a sleeper like last season. Harvick almost made it exciting by running Jimmie down with 10 to go. Then in a move that reminded me of Carl Edwards, ole Happy just went to deep and scraped the wall, ending his chances of beating the #48 to the line.

 Kyle Busch had a strong run all day and seemed to be coming forward in an attempt to sweep this weekends activities in Southern California. Brian Vickers and his #83 Red Bull team again showed that they should never be counted out. Last years spot in the chase wasn't a fluke. In fact, both Red Bull cars showed well this weekend.

 All in all it was a race that NASCAR needed. Sure there were alot of empty seats, but it wasn't a runaway for anyone. Nobody was sure of the out come until that checkered flag flew. Congrats to the #48 team. Back to your winning ways I guess. Next week Vegas. Maybe Rowdy can excite HIS hometown fans, just like last year.

BW