Johnson Doesn't have to Work for Win-Championship

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NASCAR and Mother Nature conspired to give Jimmy Johnson another win and most likely a championship.

For the ninth time in 2008 rain has caused cancellation of qualifying at a Sprint Cup event. You have to go back to 1959 to find the last time that many qualifying sessions have been canceled.  During the Chase for the Championship, when the rains come, the rich get richer.  Because the Chasers have been given an artificial points bonus they are guaranteed the top twelve starting positions.

Starting up front at a Sprint Cup event usually results in a top twenty finish.  Especially on a short track like Martinsville, being out front at the start is a decided advantage.  Johnson used his artificial pole to lead the most laps and take an easy victory.  That win has all but sewed up the third consecutive championship for the California native.

Postponing qualifying and moving it to another part of the weekend instead of cancellation, could have a decided impact on the outcome of races and therefore the championship.  NASCAR used to hiold two qualifying sessions during a weekend.  If drivers had a bad first session they could re-qualify and hope for better on Saturday.  this also afforded the series a second chance for qualifying if rain, snow or sleet took out Friday.  That is a program whos time has come again; along with other changes including, but not limited to, elimination of the Top 35 rule.

This all leads us to this week’s BUZZ ON PIT ROW:

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Has Jimmy Johnson won the championship with four races to go?

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Let us know what you think and we may use your comments on this week’s ON PIT ROW.  Or give us a call with your comments, at 1-877-502-8255 and you could win a Kevin Harvick bobblehead if you are the “Shell Gunk Free call of the Day” Listen live at www.onpitrow.com or www.arcaracing.com from 5-7pm ET.

photo credit: Icon Sports Media