Petty, Earnhardt, Gordon, Yarborough

BILL KIMM I know saying Johnson and his fourth consecutive championship as the story of the year is an easy pick -- but four-in-a-row had never happened, so how can you ignore it? Johnson's dominance is unappreciated and unprecedented. In eight seasons, Johnson has gone from unknown to fourth on the title list. He's gone from up-and-comer to a writer of history. Petty, Earnhardt, Gordon, Yarborough -- none were able to do what Johnson did this season, and that is why not only is this the story of the year, it might be the story of the decade.

Also in the news: � Will she or won't she? Danica keeps the garage buzzing � Busch sets all kinds of records while dominating Nationwide Series JOE MENZER How can anyone select anything else for the 2009 Story of the Year? It has to be the unprecedented fourth consecutive championship earned by driver Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team led by crew chief Chad Knaus. But part of that storyline also belonged to Martin, Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports teammate who drove the wheels off his own No. 5 Chevrolet and at least challenged Johnson for the title. And Martin did it at age 50, following a two-year semi-hiatus during which he drove only part time.

Watching Johnson and Martin battle all year, with Johnson eventually making history by holding off Martin in the end, was easily the season's most compelling story.

DUANE CROSS The sport was the story of the year -- the layoffs across the industry; how the sport was affected by the economy; how the sport managed to carry on with a do-more-with-less mentality; the decision to leave New York in favor of Las Vegas for Champion's Week; the Mayfield saga; Danica this, Danica that; and not the least of which was the on-track competition, trumped by Hendrick Motorsports' successes ranging from Johnson, Martin, Gordon and extending to Stewart-Haas' Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman.

NASCAR's ongoing legal wrangling with Mayfield as well as sponsorship (or lack of sponsors' dollars) will continue to make headlines but as Danica's interest in the sport proves, NASCAR will remain the destination for top talent (especially from a marketing standpoint -- yes, I mean "money-making").

As for competition, obviously Hendrick Motorsports (which includes Stewart-Haas) is the undisputed front-runner. Joe Gibbs Racing is the next best race-day bet, followed by RCR and Roush, with Earnhardt Ganassi, Penske, Red Bull and Waltrip two steps behind.

Kurt Busch tells his side of the story, but is anyone buying it? - Yahoo! Sports (blog)

Auto Racing Daily

Kurt Busch tells his side of the story, but is anyone buying it? Yahoo! Sports (blog) While Busch did not apologize to Newman's crew, he gave a curious apology to NASCAR itself: "I apologize to NASCAR for them to have to make a decision on penalizing me." Sure, it all sounds very reasonable. Could in fact be the straight truth, ... 2012 All-Star: NASCAR Friday Notebook - Busch takes umbrage at Newman's post ...PaddockTalk NASCAR Issues Fines And Probation For Violations At Darlington RacewayAuto Racing Daily Kurt Busch fined $50000, placed on probationUSA TODAY KTVN -ESPN all 279 news articles »

House committee vote squashes military NASCAR sponsorships - USA TODAY

USA TODAY

House committee vote squashes military NASCAR sponsorships USA TODAY NASCAR veteran driver Jeff Burton doesn't buy that argument. "I don't think they're throwing money at it just for the hell of it,'' he said Thursday night before the Pit Crew Challenge as part of NASCAR's All-Star weekend. and more »

3M Awards First VIP Grand Prize in 'Your Ticket to the Track' Sweepstakes - BodyShop Business

3M Awards First VIP Grand Prize in 'Your Ticket to the Track' Sweepstakes BodyShop Business For Rich Hottle, his passion for NASCAR and his love of his job as an automotive painter and body repair expert just delivered the experience of a lifetime – a winning ticket in the 3M Automotive Aftermarket “Your Ticket to the Track” sweepstakes.

No. 48 team wins Pit Crew Challege in Charlotte - Spartanburg Herald Journal

USA TODAY

No. 48 team wins Pit Crew Challege in Charlotte Spartanburg Herald Journal Buy Photo AP The Associated Press CHARLOTTE, NC — Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 team won the NASCAR Sprint Pit Crew Challenge, avenging last year's loss in the finals to Denny Hamlin's No. 11 team. Hamlin's team was the two-time defending champions coming ... KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Jimmie Johnson's team wins ...KTVN all 333 news articles »

Chevrolet prepares SS performance sedan - Detroit Free Press

New Zealand Herald

Chevrolet prepares SS performance sedan Detroit Free Press "Our success on the track helps raise our awareness with customers who will eventually end up buying our new products." The Chevy SS version sold to the public will be very similar to the vehicle raced on the NASCAR circuit. "The NASCAR car is so ... Chevrolet to race new SS model in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series in 2013SportingNews.com Holden Commodore Set To Enter U.S.Auto World News Chevrolet SS to replace Impala in Sprint CupYahoo! Sports Sacramento Bee -MotorTrend Magazine (blog) all 413 news articles »