Top NASCAR Nextel Cup Stories Of 2007

There were many stories that affected this year in NASCAR.  From the introduction of the Car of Tomorrow to Toyota to Dale Earnhardt, Jr., each had a profound impact on the outcome of the Nextel Cup.  Of these stories, I have compiled a list of what I feel are the seven biggest.

One For The Books

Jimmie Johnson became the first repeat champion yesterday for the first time since Jeff Gordon did it in 1997 & 1998. He did it in dominating fashion, winning four of the last five races. In that stretch, he came from behind to catch Gordon. He looked unbeatable down the stretch, like a man on a mission.

Unstoppable

That’s what Jimmie Johnson appears to be as the season comes to a close; unstoppable. Johnson has just put his number 48 Lowe’s Chevy on the pole for the final race of the season at Homestead. This will surely make Jeff Gordon’s job of catching him for the title that much harder.

All But Over

With one race to go in the 2007 Nextel Cup season, Jimmie Johnson has opened up an 86-point lead with his victory at Phoenix yesterday. While Jeff Gordon has not been eliminated, it is reasonable to believe that he is now too far back to recover and pass Johnson. Johnson needs finish 18th or better next week at Homestead to claim his second consecutive championship.

And Then There Were Two

Two racers. Two races. The whole, crazy season has come down to that. With two races to go, only 30 points separates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, the only two with a realistic chance at the Nextel Cup.