You don't win an unprecedented four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships without being calm, cool and collected. And competitive.And Jimmie Johnson's two championship challengers are about to find out just how competitive the four-time champ can be.
For the first time since he started piling up the titles in 2006, Johnson is trailing in the standings with two races remaining in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Denny Hamlin swiped the championship lead last week with a win at Texas Motor Speedway and now holds a 33-point advantage on Johnson and 59 on Kevin Harvick.
Johnson couldn't be more blunt in his assessment.
"It sucks,'' Johnson said. "I don't want to be there (in second).''
It's an unfamiliar and unwelcome position for Johnson, but not insurmountable. As he reminded reporters Friday before qualifying at Phoenix International Raceway, no two championship runs are ever the same.
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