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.