Waiting for Homestead
Jimmie Johnson said it best in the post-race interviews Sunday after he collected another runner-up finish, this one at Phoenix.
"I'd rather be racing at Homestead today," was his paraphrased quote.
Call the season too long, call the races too long, but the 2006 Nextel Cup title has come down to 400 miles and 267 laps, even as the calendar closes in on Thanksgiving.
Johnson's chances to win the title come Sunday night are looking awfully good right now.
One of the interesting factoids I heard from the ESPN folks after Phoenix is that the largest deficit surrendered by the leader heading into the season's final race is 30 points. As they head to Homestead, Johnson has a 63-point edge on Matt Kenseth and is 90 up on both Kevin Harvick (who's going for the historic Busch-Cup double) and super-rookie Denny Hamlin.
Just to review - Johnson needs to finish 12th or better without leading a lap, 13th if he leads a lap, and 15th if he leads the most laps to win the title, regardless of what any of the other drivers do.
Five are eligible for the title. Qualifying for the Ford 400 begins Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. on Speed Channel (cable channel 51 in St. George, channel 150 on Dish Network and Channel 607 on DirecTV).
With all the attention that's awaiting him starting on Thursday, Johnson has been able to make time for himself with the help of none other than last year's champion, Tony Stewart.
The basic message: Have fun.
The most fun will probably be had once Johnson straps himself into the No. 48 Lowe's Monte Carlo. Considering the roll he's on, only disaster will prevent him from claiming the trophy.
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