CUP: 200th Win Eludes Hendrick

Sprint Cup

CUP: 200th Win Eludes Hendrick

Why can't Hendrick drivers close deal?

Larry McReynolds | Posted April 16, 2012 Charlotte, NC

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's/Kobalt Tools Chevrolet, climbs into his car on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. (Photo: Getty Images)

I know some fans are speculating that Hendrick Motorsports might be jinxed or the pressure of trying to get Rick Hendrick his 200th NASCAR Cup win is getting to them.

I’m sorry, but I just don’t buy into that. Jimmie Johnson simply got beat by a driver with a better car Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway. Greg Biffle not only drove by him but then drove away to the win.

I still think it was a good night for Hendrick Motorsports, though. Across the board, it had all four drivers finish in the top 10. Jeff Gordon got his first top-five finish of the year. The other remarkable thing about that was he drove there from 34th position with the aid of only two cautions.

Kasey Kahne finally had some good luck for a change. He started fifth and was the top-qualifying Chevrolet. Then he came up seventh Saturday night in a much-needed great finish. To top his weekend off, he then goes to Rockingham Speedway and wins the Camping World Truck race there on Sunday.

So you had Jimmie in second, followed by Jeff in fourth, Kasey in seventh and Dale Earnhardt Jr. rounded things out with a 10th. Sure, they didn’t get the 200th win, but it truly was a good night for them. Trust me, it was an especially good night for Gordon and Kahne, who definitely needed it.

Am I surprised that Hendrick Motorsports still hasn’t gotten owner Rick Hendrick that elusive 200th win? Honestly, the answer is yes. I never would have believed that when Jimmie got win No. 199 at Kansas back in October, that 200 win would still elude them into middle April of 2012.

Please remember it’s not a case of “if,” it’s a case of “when” for the win. You can’t have four drivers with the God-given talent the Hendrick group has combined with the resources at their fingertips and not know it will happen.

It honestly could happen on any given race day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Larry McReynolds

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