2015 Driver Spotlight Preview: Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson 2015 Season Preview

By Richard Tix

2014 Season Review

I keep going round and round on Jimmie Johnson's 2014 season. Man, was it disappointing. Then again, he won 4 races, had 11 top 5's, and 20 top 10's. Those numbers don't scream bad season. When I get done debating this in my head I end on this: Jimmie Johnson has been so good for so long that we don't know any better, he is truly held at a higher level.

This, I believe, isn't just true for fans but also for JJ, Chad, and the whole 48 team. They hold themselves at a higher standard and because of that I land back on a disappointing season. If you are wondering, yes, this is the process that goes through my head every time I write about his 2014 season.

JJ still had four wins which was good enough to tie him for fourth most in 2014. His 20 top 10's also put him tied for fourth most on the season. Yet, most fans agree he wasn't a top 4 performer in 2014. That list would normally include Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. After those guys a handful of others including JJ might come to mind, but for one of the first times in his career he wasn't mentioned with the top tier guys in a single season.

Was this the fall of JJ? For the first time in his career he finished the season worse than 6th in the standings. In fact, JJ only finished 6th once (2001), 5th twice (2002 rookie year and 2005) and all the rest have been 3rd or better.

Bold Predictions/2015 Season Expectations:

• Short answer, no it shouldn't be the fall of JJ. Some poor luck and bad finishes just hurt JJ more than they normally do. Also, a new Chase didn't help his cause as those poor finishes hurt him down the stretch. But, enough with the bad news for JJ fans. The bad news for other driver fans (and good news for JJ) is he will be back in 2015 and will be once again re motivated. As if a guy like JJ (runs marathons and triathlons) needs more motivation)! His expectations will be the same as any other season, get to the Chase and be a favorite for the Title, I'm sure his only goal is to win another Championship so I don't see how these expectations would be too high for him. I could see another 3-4 wins, 10-13 top 5's, and 19-22 top 10's this season, but consistency will be key down the stretch.

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