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.

NASCAR The Game: Inside Line Coming This Fall - Cinema Blend

Cinema Blend

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'NASCAR The Game: Inside Line' (ALL) Announced - WorthPlaying.com

VGrevolution

'NASCAR The Game: Inside Line' (ALL) Announced WorthPlaying.com by Rainier on May 18, 2012 @ 4:24 am PDT Bringing the true NASCAR experience to consoles, NASCAR The Game: Inside Line will allow players to race with the top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, teams and cars, as well as feature all 23 officially ... NASCAR The Game: Inside Line AnnouncedVGrevolution all 7 news articles »

Wallace set to make NASCAR debut in Iowa - KFVS

Kansas City Star

Wallace set to make NASCAR debut in Iowa KFVS With their Game 2 collapse still fresh in their minds, the Los Angeles Lakers avoided a sequel with the only game plan they're confident will work against the younger, faster Oklahoma City Thunder. With their Game 2 collapse still fresh in their minds, ... Ackerman: Nationwide Series returns to IowaOmaha World-Herald all 143 news articles »

NASCAR All-Star Race 2012: Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne In The Running For ... - SB Nation

ESPN

NASCAR All-Star Race 2012: Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne In The Running For ... SB Nation Next week, the 2012 Sprint Cup Series will continue in earnest, but on Saturday, the 2012 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race will take place. The All-Star Race, much like most other sports' All-Star games, has no bearing on the leaderboard standings, ... Dustin Long: A bold proposal to drastically improve NASCAR's All-Star RaceSI.com NASCAR All-Star event one of the few of its type that workShelby Star NASCAR-CUP: Kurt Busch looks for an exciting All-Star race at CharlotteMotorsport.com CBSSports.com (blog) -PaddockTalk -WhoWon.com all 569 news articles »