JOHNSON'S MATCHUPS ARE QUITE IMPRESSIVE, THANK YOU

            AVONDALE, Ariz. – What’s impressive about Kyle Busch is that he’s so adept at “saving” a car. What’s impressive about Jimmie Johnson is that he so seldom has to.

            What’s impressive about Tony Stewart is that he’s been so successful competing with his own team. What’s impressive about Johnson is that he already drives for the best one.

            What’s impressive about Jeff Gordon are his career accomplishments. What’s impressive about Johnson is that he’s mirroring the statistics of Gordon’s greatest years.

            What’s impressive about Mark Martin is that he’s as good as he ever was. What’s impressive about Johnson is that he’s the latest to relegate Martin to second place in the point standings.

            What was impressive about Cale Yarborough is that he won three championships in a row. What’s impressive about Johnson is that he’s about to become the first to win four straight.

            What was impressive about Dale Earnhardt is that he won seven championships. What’s impressive about Johnson is that he seems capable of reaching that mark.

            What was impressive about Ray Evernham is that he served as a cool father figure to the young Gordon. What’s impressive about Chad Knaus is his singleminded attention to detail.

            What’s impressive about Carl Edwards is that he once won four races in the 10-race Chase. What’s impressive about Johnson is that he’s done it three times.

            What was impressive about Richard Petty is that he won 200 career races. What’s impressive about Johnson is his 18 Chase victories.

            What was impressive about Petty Enterprises is that eight drivers combined to win 268 races. What’s impressive about Hendrick Motorsports is that 14 drivers have combined to win 188.

            Is it any wonder that Johnson is on the verge of winning another Sprint Cup championship?

You may contact Monte Dutton at mdutton@gastongazette.com.