Faster. Louder. The weekly column on SPEEDtv.com by Jade Gurss. (Harold Hinson Photo)
That question has bothered me for several years. As Jimmie Johnson slices upward in the annals of NASCAR Greats at track-record speed with his third consecutive title, his level of likeability among fans remains very low. How could this be for a driver whose worst points finish is fifth place since he joined the Cup circus full-time in 2002? That stat is almost as impressive as the three titles: he’s been superb from the word ‘go’ with near-Jordan or Tiger-like regularity.
Will some continue to downplay Johnson’s feat of tying the trio of titles won by the bull-necked and red-faced Cale Yarborough? Yarborough is unquestionably one of the all-time greats. But, the level of competition is far deeper now than in Yarborough’s day. Sure, Cale went head-to-head against the Allisons, Petty and Waltrip, but name another title challenger in those seasons. Both era’s three-peat drivers and teams deserve huge credit, but the tie goes to Johnson.
When I ask fans why they dislike Johnson, a few themes emerge: he’s boring… he’s not human… he doesn’t take chances… he’s had a silver spoon from Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon… and he wins too much. How is it a guy who is so successful, so determined and so focused isn’t hailed more heartily by the media or fans?
I’ve now realized my frustration has been misdirected.
At the risk of losing friends, I propose the fault lies not with the fans, but with his own media handlers, team and sponsors. Yes, Jimmie has a clear tendency to want to please and remain free of any controversy, but those who know him outside of the car can attest he has an out-going and fun personality. He needs to be encouraged to let it show and just be himself when the cameras are on.
But why blame those around him? Mainly for their lack of compelling storytelling and legend-building.
People love a good story – and yet it seems only a handful of fans know Johnson was raised by parents who scraped for every penny as he worked his way from motocross to off-road racing then through ASA and the Busch Series. El Cajon, California is no Malibu. He’s earned each step with hard work. A silver spoon!? More like a plastic spork.
