MAKING HISTORY

Barring the unthinkable, Jimmie Johnson will become the first driver in three decades to win three consecutive titles in NASCAR's top division today and only the second in its 60 years.

Johnson is 15th on the all-time wins list and stands within reach of 10th as soon as next year.

ELITE COMPANY

Six drivers in NASCAR history have won three or more titles, and only Cale Yarborough (1976-78) has claimed three in a row. With a finish of 36th or better in the finale today in Homestead, Fla., Johnson would beat Carl Edwards for the title and tie that mark.

"I'll be in good company," said Yarborough, who retired with 83 victories.

"I hope he feels the same way."

TEMPORARY SETBACK

Edwards got the jump on Johnson in Friday's qualifying.

Edwards, facing a daunting 141-point deficit heading into today's Ford 400, qualified fourth, trailing first-time pole winner David Reutimann, rookie Scott Speed and Roush Fenway Racing teammate Matt Kenseth. Johnson is 30th.

FLIRTING WITH GREATNESS

Where does Johnson -- at age 33, with just seven full seasons in Sprint Cup -- fit in among the sport's greats?

"He's really not got a place yet," said seven-time champion Richard Petty, 71. "... But he's got a damn good start."

Petty's 200 wins is seen as the sport's unbreakable record, but with another five, 10 or 15 years to race, Johnson could near or surpass it.

NUMBERS DON'T LIE

Pertinent statistics and facts:

l Johnson's winning percentage (15.75) ranks highest among active drivers and eighth-best overall.

l Johnson would become the second-youngest driver to reach three titles, behind teammate Jeff Gordon.

l At his pace (7.1 victories per 36-race season), he would move into the all-time top 10 in the first half of 2011.