NASCAR Sprint-Cup Series
  • Peg It on GarageMonkey
CUP: Martin Most Compelling Story Of 2009
Mark Martin had one of the best years of his career in 2009...
Tom Jensen  |  Posted December 28, 2009   Charlotte, NC
Mark Martin finished second to Jimmie Johnson in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points for 2009. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Jimmie Johnson may have won the big prize in 2009, capturing his record fourth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, but his triumph was but one of many compelling stories on the year.

On the track and off of it, there was plenty of news in NASCAR, much of it unpleasant. In many respects, 2009 was a season of struggle in NASCAR, as economic woes hit teams hard in the garage and affected race tracks, attendance and sponsors.

And there were some very public black eyes, too, like the seemingly interminable legal battle between Jeremy Mayfield and NASCAR, or the NASCAR-Kentucky Speedway lawsuit, which at least finally ran its course.

But there was also a wealth of interesting stories that took place as the season unfolded, with old stars shining again and new ones emerging.

Following is SPEEDtv.com’s 10 most compelling Sprint Cup stories of 2009:

1. MARK MARTIN RETURNS — From 2000-08, Mark Martin won just four races and two poles as he entered into the twilight of his career. He flirted with retirement in 2005, spent 2007-08 running part-time and appeared to have had his best days in the rear-view mirror.

But in 2009, Martin joined Hendrick Motorsports and rejoined the Sprint Cup Series on a full-time basis. After a shaky start due to mechanical woes, Martin exploded like a supernova, winning five races, claiming a series-high seven poles and finishing second to teammate Jimmie Johnson in the points.

2. STEWART-HAAS RACING EMERGES — When Tony Stewart announced he was leaving the powerhouse Joe Gibbs Racing organization to become co-owner of the perennially tail-ending Haas-CNC Racing team, some thought he’d taken leave of his senses.

But the two-time Cup champ exceeded all expectations, winning four points races and the Sprint All-Star Event, as both Stewart and teammate Ryan Newman qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup in SHR’s first year of existence.

3. JOHNSON WINS EVERYTHING — Jimmie Johnson had one of the best seasons ever in NASCAR, winning the Chase by the widest margin in its six-year history. He also claimed his record fourth consecutive championship and AP Male Athlete of the Year honors, a first for a race-car driver.

The only reason that this story isn’t ranked No. 1 is because what Martin and Stewart did in 2009 was unexpected. Everyone knew coming into the season that Johnson, his crew chief Chad Knaus and the rest of the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team were the best in the business, and they backed it up on track.


Page 1 of 2
Prev
12
Next
tom_jensen's avatar

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Jensen

MORE BY THIS AUTHOR
Advertising | Jobs | Feedback | FAQ | Terms of Use | NEW Privacy Policy | Ad Choices | Site Map
Fox Sports | FUEL TV | FX Network | National Geographic | IGN | AskMen
The Motor Sports Authority, SPEED and associated logos are registered trademarks of Speed Channel Inc.
All Rights Reserved © Speed Channel, Inc. 2013

All external links will open in a new browser window. SPEED.com does not endorse external sites.