NASCAR
Jimmie Johnson and Denny Hamlin are 2 drivers who have won in every season of their Cup career. As we head into the final 2 races of the season, both are still looking to continue that streak. To add to the madness, these races will be the final that Johnson will run with longtime crew chief, Chad Knaus. After a historic career, the two want to go out in a bang.
Jimmie Johnson Strives To Continue Streak
There’s no one in the Cup Series who would want to continue making history more than Jimmie Johnson. For the last 17 years, Johnson and Knaus have been able to claim record numbers and tie for the most championships ever claimed in the Cup Series. The two broke out of the gate with wins in his rookie season. The dynamic duo has not let up since. With only 2 races until they part, they have more desire than ever to go out on top. Following this season Knaus will join the #24 team and crew chief for William Byron.
In 30 Cup Series starts at ISM Raceway, Johnson has claimed 4 wins, 15 top fives, 20 top tens, and has led 990 laps. He also has an average finish of 10.1. Johnson will have to stay up on the wheel to claim the win in the desert.
Denny Hamlin Hopes For A Win In The Desert
The second driver looking to continue a streak of winning is Denny Hamlin. In all of Hamlin’s Cup seasons, he’s been able to claim the checkered flag, but as this one comes to a close, that all could change. The 11 was able to make the Playoffs for the 2018 season. But like the 48, Hamlin was eliminated after just 1 round. To add to the frustration, they’ve come runner-up twice. As the season winds down, Hamlin only has 2 more shots to continue his streak.
In 26 starts Hamlin has only been able to win 1 race at ISM. He’s also has 11 top fives, 15 top tens, and an average finish of 11.5. His most recent race there resulted in a 4th-place finish.
Both Johnson and Hamlin are drivers considered to be perennial race winners and championship contenders. If they were to both go winless in 2018, it would be perhaps the biggest surprise of the season. They both only have 2 more shots to win this season.
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Photo Credit to Joseph via Flickr.
