Jimmie Johnson Wins Driver of the Year

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Five-time defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson beat out NHRA Funny Car champion John Force for the Driver of the Year award on Wednesday.

It's the fourth time Johnson has received the honor, tying him with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon for most wins in the award's 44-year history.

"It's an honor to win the award again," Johnson said. "Among such tough competition, with the voting panel, who it is and how well versed they are in motorsports, it's a huge, huge honor."

Journalists and broadcasters from across the country vote for Driver of the Year, which is eligible to any driver from any series that competes on four wheels in the United States. Past winners include Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt and Bobby Rahal.

Johnson received 10 votes to beat Force, who received seven votes. NASCAR driver Kyle Busch received one vote.

"This year's pre-vote teleconference was one of the most spirited debates that I can recall," said panelist president Barry Schmoyer. "As many people have said already, it will be a long time before anyone will set the bar as high as Jimmie Johnson."

Comments

[thejackass]

09:56 AM on 12/16/2010

This guy doesn't get the credit he deserves. I think he is the best of all times. I am not a fan of his but he has my respect.

[Big0725]

09:43 PM on 12/15/2010

Wow.............what a surprise. ((((( yawn )))))

[yill danniel]

09:41 PM on 12/15/2010

Love or hate him, you got to admit he's a darn good driver. Afterall he does have five championships.

[Big0725]

09:54 PM on 12/15/2010

And he'll be the downfall of NASCAR. I can't tell you how many people I know, those of us that could afford taking in more than one race a year and not have to hock the trailer, have been turned off by the lack of competition. Nope, personally, I'm done with NASCAR I won't be renewing my club seat tickets for next year.

[No1 ILoveLucyFan]

03:21 PM on 12/16/2010

My husband used to watch every race (unless there was a family-thing going on...then he'd tape it & watch later) but this season, he couldn't care less - the competition isn't as exciting when it's essentially the same guy winning all the time.

[Shaun Hensley]

07:38 PM on 12/16/2010

Blame the changes to NASCAR for it's dwindling appeal, not jj. The Chase, lucky dog, top 35 in owner's points rule all contribute to the lack of appeal.

[Spartan112]

01:41 PM on 12/15/2010

I drive through Kelley Sq. in Worcester in a daily basis...I should be driver of the year.