NASCAR Power Rankings: 2009 Final
1. Jimmie Johnson- 7 Wins, 24 Top Tens
The seasons over, the right man won, and all is right with the world again. If your not a fan of Jimmie Johnson then by about 2015 his dynasty will probably be in decline. Chad Knaus plans on being the 48 crew chief for at least 5 more years.
2. Mark Martin- 5 Wins, 21 Top Tens
Mark Martin isn’t done yet and the never-ending “Salute to you tour” will be going strong through 2011. He had a great season that far exceeded probably anyone’s expectations.
3. Kurt Busch- 2 Win, 21 Top Tens
Kurt Busch almost stopped the Hendrick 1,2,3 standing domination but the 2 team fumbled in the decision-making department late at Homestead. Kurt was definitely the rebound driver of the year.
4. Jeff Gordon- 1 Win, 25 Top Tens
By finishing 6th at Homestead Jeff Gordon wrapped up the top 3 spots for Hendrick Motors Sports. Gordon finished the season with the most top tens (25), but at this point that was last season.
5. Denny Hamlin- 4 Wins, 20 Top Tens
I’ve seriously heard people speculate that Denny Hamlin would be the person who would stop Jimmie Johnson’s dominance. Hamlin even said it himself. I know it sounds humorous considering he thinks he paid Keselowski back.
6. Tony Stewart- 4 Wins, 23 Top Tens
I told people all season long that the 14 team wasn’t a real championship threat. They were just the most consistent team in the series. After Watkins Glen this team’s performances plummeted.
7. Juan Pablo Montoya- 7 Top Fives, 18 Top Tens
I have no clue how NASCAR fans can’t like Montoya. He sticks up for himself on the track and is passionate about what he does. What NASCAR needs is 1) be more consistent (2 lap penalty?) and 2) 42 more Montoya’s on the track.
8. Greg Biffle- 10 Top Fives, 16 Top Tens
It was a down year for Roush and Biffle completed the first full season of his career that he was win less. NASCAR is a cyclical sport so I wouldn’t be surprised if he bounces back to multiple victories next year.
9. Kasey Kahne- 2 Wins, 14 Top Tens
Kahne had a nice season that never materialized in the Chase. The problem here is that no team is entering the off-season with more question marks then Kahne. 2010 will be a contract year for Kahne so things will either go really good or really bad.
10. Ryan Newman- 5 Top Fives, 15 Top Tens
Ryan Newman returned to the Chase in 2009 but he didn’t return to victory lane. If Ryan Newman could just improve on the intermediate tracks then he would have potential to challenge for the championship.
11. Carl Edwards- 7 Top Fives, 14 Top Tens
After California in the Chase this team just fell apart. In the off-season when people talk about the disappointment of the year Carl Edwards should certainly be talked about in that debate.
12. Brian Vickers- 1 Win, 13 Top Tens
Brian Vickers should be a NASCAR spokesman for why the Chase only needs 10 drivers. Brian Vickers didn’t have a single top ten, never led a lap, and had a 59.7 driver rating over the course of the Chase.
