[vincesanity82]

Johnson does think about doing a good job of showing respect for the sport, of being a good representative of his sponsors and yes, having success on the track. As far as being a leader, Johnson said, not yet. But he could see himself eventually taking on that role among the drivers, much as Gordon has and Dale Earnhardt Sr. did. "As time goes on, I think different drivers grow into different roles," he said. "And that is something that Jeff really didn't ask for or isn't comfortable with having, but he's kind of worked his way into that role." What some see taking shape is the beginning of the Jimmie Johnson era. Team owner Rick Hendrick certainly thinks so. "Jimmie's a really smart driver and a really aggressive driver, and Chad (Knaus, Johnson's crew chief) is the same way," Hendrick said. "So I just don't see anything that is going to slow Jimmie down. He just gets better every time I see him get in the car." -- KC Star

www.kansascity.com | 11/26/2007 | NASCAR could be on the verge of the Jimmie Johnson Era

[Quality88]

First off.... damn you vince for postin this article.
Second, hwo do you consider Johnson and Knaus aggressive when they sandbag like b!#$%es.

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by Quality88

First off.... damn you vince for postin this article.
Second, hwo do you consider Johnson and Knaus aggressive when they sandbag like b!#$%es.

I love you too 'Q'..

BTW, I never said I agreed with the articles author..just posting the word on the street..

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

I love you too 'Q'..

BTW, I never said I agreed with the articles author..just posting the word on the street..

good for you Vince .. a good reporter never judges, just reports.

but then you're a mod so..... what's your opinion?

IMHO: he's not there yet.

[Phils20]

They are not there until they can get though a sesason without breaking the rules.

[3fanforever]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

As far as being a leader, Johnson said, not yet. But he could see himself eventually taking on that role among the drivers, much as Gordon has and Dale Earnhardt Sr. did.

Blah, Jimmie Johnson will never be the leader Dale was. I just don't think he has the cajones to stand up to NASCAR like Dale did. Someone needs to tell JJ there's more to being a leader than just driving for Rick Hendrick and winning a lot of races and championships.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

I love you too 'Q'..

BTW, I never said I agreed with the articles author..just posting the word on the street..

Never said you did agree, just said damn you for postin it... but it does bring discussion so I'll let it slide

[vincesanity82]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

good for you Vince .. a good reporter never judges, just reports.

but then you're a mod so..... what's your opinion?

IMHO: he's not there yet.

I agree, I dont think hes there yet, I definitley dont put him in Dale sr's category..

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Phils20

They are not there until they can get though a sesason without breaking the rules.

What you meant to say Phil was to make it through a season without "GETTING CAUGHT" breaking the rules.

[LSC9901]

Not sure JJ will ever be seen as the leader of the drivers. With all the team controversy he just doesn't come on as a leader to me. Then again, I'm not one of those that requires a NASCAR leader in my life.

[PenelopePitStop]

I second that! Damn you for posting that, Vince.

Johnson will never, ever, be a leader. As a matter of fact, Gordon's not a leader either! A leader goes far beyond being a media darling.

There are no leaders today. Do you actually think anyone goes to Gordon or Johnson or anyone else for that matter for advice the way they did with Petty and Sr. No flippin' way! Do you think any driver on the circuit looks up to the HMS clones the way they looked up to Petty and Sr.? No flippin' way!

Today, drivers and teams are so damn guarded, it's like a collection of cults. HMS being the biggest.

If we are entering the Jimmie Johnson era, I am entering the "used-to-be-a-NASCAR-fan" era.

Man, I'm pi$$ed!

[Phils20]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

What you meant to say Phil was to make it through a season without "GETTING CAUGHT" breaking the rules.

Lets hope they do a good job at catching them. I know that "creative engineering" is part of the lore of NASCAR, but I think it's time for that to go by the wayside.

The bad part is, they are good enough to win without playing games. Or at least we think they are!

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I second that! Damn you for posting that, Vince.

Johnson will never, ever, be a leader. As a matter of fact, Gordon's not a leader either! A leader goes far beyond being a media darling.

There are no leaders today. Do you actually think anyone goes to Gordon or Johnson or anyone else for that matter for advice the way they did with Petty and Sr. No flippin' way! Do you think any driver on the circuit looks up to the HMS clones the way they looked up to Petty and Sr.? No flippin' way!

Today, drivers and teams are so damn guarded, it's like a collection of cults. HMS being the biggest.

If we are entering the Jimmie Johnson era, I am entering the "used-to-be-a-NASCAR-fan" era.

Man, I'm pi$$ed!

I actually believe there's a few old timers (Martin, Rudd, Elliott, Shrader, etc.) who are sought out for advice and tips. just because they aren't running for championships now days doesn't mean they haven't anything useful to teach or share.

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

I actually believe there's a few old timers (Martin, Rudd, Elliott, Shrader, etc.) who are sought out for advice and tips. just because they aren't running for championships now days doesn't mean they haven't anything useful to teach or share.

Oh, I agree with that 100%! Even Jarrett is probably approached as well. If I had the chance, Martin would be the first one I would approach for some tips!

My point was that for Johnson to even mention himself in the same sentence as Dale Earnhardt was ... was ... was ... oh, I can't find the words without risking being banned.

[wingkey1]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

Oh, I agree with that 100%! Even Jarrett is probably approached as well. If I had the chance, Martin would be the first one I would approach for some tips!

My point was that for Johnson to even mention himself in the same sentence as Dale Earnhardt was ... was ... was ... oh, I can't find the words without risking being banned.

for Johnson to even mention himself in the same sentence as Dale Earnhardt - to help avoid baNation (That's either a nation of the banned or the place where the majority of the worlds sheep claim as their homeland) - Johnson didn't. The stretch of word that suggest - "like Sr. or JG" - are the authors and not within the quoted text attributed to JJ.