[vincesanity82]

With his season off to a slow start, two-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson shelved plans for taking time off during a rare break in the schedule and instead is busy testing. "I had great plans, but since we've been running bad, I'll be at the racetrack testing," he said. "We've got test sessions all over, (so) we're going to be busy." Johnson has just one top-five finish in the first five races and sits 13th in points, 201 behind leader Kyle Busch. "There is nothing more important than driving this race car and performing on Sundays," he said. "So whatever it takes is what we've got to do." -- Indy Star

Who's a rookie? IRL will decide | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

[Quality88]

It's a slow start cause he can't drive the damn car.... if it ain't setup perfect he can't drive it. That's what this car does to drivers... forces them to wheel it around the track instead of sit pretty.

[Racer Duck]

I guess being 200 points back after 5 races could be considered a "slow start" for the returning 2 time consecutive Cup champ. But there's about 40 other drivers who'd trade places with him in an instant.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by Quality88

It's a slow start cause he can't drive the damn car.... if it ain't setup perfect he can't drive it. That's what this car does to drivers... forces them to wheel it around the track instead of sit pretty.

Thats exactly what I think his problem is too. They said this car would put most of it back in the drivers hands. Seems like him, and some others, can't seem to get it done.

[Fireball]

Originally Posted by Quality88

It's a slow start cause he can't drive the damn car.... if it ain't setup perfect he can't drive it. That's what this car does to drivers... forces them to wheel it around the track instead of sit pretty.

Jimmie Johnson can driver that car. Has his driver skills been the cause of him being down 200 points to the leader? Or has it been because of racer's luck?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Fireball

Jimmie Johnson can driver that car. Has his driver skills been the cause of him being down 200 points to the leader? Or has it been because of racer's luck?

Yeah. I think you nailed it. I believe that's the correct answer.

[Phils20]

I'd be happy to see him stay just where he is in the points. But the sad truth is that he didn't get where he is by being lucky, or even by cheating. He is a good driver, and that is a great team.

Like it or not, and I don't, he will be at or near the top very soon, and for a lot of years.

[loco4pablo]

Yeah Jimmy (and Jeff) will be there in the end. This is one of the reasons why I don't like the chase. If the same situation they are now in (trailing by 200+ points) happened before the chase format. There would be mass panick and they would have to race thier butts off to catch up in points and so would everyone else.
Now, no panick really because Jimmy is only like 14 points out of the chase and Jeff is like 21 out. No biggie. Just make the chase and take it from there.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by loco4pablo

Yeah Jimmy (and Jeff) will be there in the end. This is one of the reasons why I don't like the chase. If the same situation they are now in (trailing by 200+ points) happened before the chase format. There would be mass panick and they would have to race thier butts off to catch up in points and so would everyone else.
Now, no panick really because Jimmy is only like 14 points out of the chase and Jeff is like 21 out. No biggie. Just make the chase and take it from there.

Hmmm...? I'd be interested in seeing your response to my "Who Will Stay and Who Will Go," thread, Pablo.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Fireball

Jimmie Johnson can driver that car. Has his driver skills been the cause of him being down 200 points to the leader? Or has it been because of racer's luck?

His driver skills were great in the old car. So far they haven't shown much in the new car. Time will tell.

[BiscuitMan]

Originally Posted by Quality88

His driver skills were great in the old car. So far they haven't shown much in the new car. Time will tell.

Let's see what you have to say after the Martinsville race. History says Jimmie Johnson should be competitive there.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by BiscuitMan

Let's see what you have to say after the Martinsville race. History says Jimmie Johnson should be competitive there.

I think you nailed that one. Like Charlotte Motor Speedway, Maretinsville is a track Jimmy seems to have owned, of late. My bet is the Hendrick's will make a comeback next weekend.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I think you nailed that one. Like Charlotte Motor Speedway, Maretinsville is a track Jimmy seems to have owned, of late. My bet is the Hendrick's will make a comeback next weekend.

Could be... I'll bash'em either way.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

I think you nailed that one. Like Charlotte Motor Speedway, Maretinsville is a track Jimmy seems to have owned, of late. My bet is the Hendrick's will make a comeback next weekend.

He'd also won 3 straight at Vegas, the same as Martinsville. Maybe Martinsville will be as good to Jimmie as Vegas was. Oh I hope so.

[lilsexy08]

He needs to skip his vacation. Johnson can't do anything right or get it together this year. Which is perfectly fine for me. I know I'm bad! LOL!