Johnson makes run at record look easy

HOMESTEAD, Fla. --- Jimmie Johnson is on the threshold of winning a record fourth consecutive championship; car owner Rick Hendrick already is guaranteed his ninth title; and the two celebrated their continued domination by signing a contract extension through the 2013 season.

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Associated Press

Jimmie Johnson is the polesitter for today's Sprint Cup finale. He will win a record fourth cup title if he finishes 25th or better.

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That doesn't leave a lot of hope, now or later, for the rest of the Sprint Cup Series.

As Johnson prepares to go through the motions in today's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, everyone else is left wondering what it will take next season, and beyond, to derail one of the most-formidable teams in stock car history.

"Dynamite," said Ryan Newman. "That's all that can stop them."

All Johnson has to accomplish today is a top-25 finish to win the championship. If he does, he will break Cale Yarborough's record of three championships in a row.

More importantly, he will make it look easy.

"They done a great job and as much as many people dislike the fact that he's been so dominate they deserve it," Newman said. "They have earned it and that's a part of the sport. I don't know what it was like in the '70s when Cale Yarborough won three in a row but I assume it was probably the same way. People were tired of Cale Yarborough winning. That's part of the sport.

"If and when Jimmie gets knocked off of his throne, then we'll have something else to talk about. He's a deserving champion. I feel it makes me a better driver to race against him."

Johnson solidified his overpowering run in the Chase for the Championship by winning the pole for the season finale. His Chevrolet will roll first off the starting grid for the green flag (3:15 p.m., ABC-Ch. 6).

Scott Speed will start second, and since he's a rookie well out of championship contention, he probably will back off and let Johnson lead the first lap. Those five bonus points for leading a lap means Johnson then can finish 27th or better to clinch.

Mark Martin did all he could do to put pressure on Johnson during Saturday's final practice sessions by posting the quickest lap, but Johnson wasn't far behind in third place. It will take a big crash for Martin to make history as the oldest Cup champion at 50.

"Jimmie is just as hungry for the fourth as he was for the first," Hendrick said. "I think if you can be any more committed, he is. (Crew chief) Chad (Knaus) is the same way."

Martin was clocked at 173.919 mph while Speed was at 172.695 and third-place Marcos Ambrose ran 172.678. Martin was fourth at 172.353. Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Newman, Greg Biffle, Bill Elliott and Clint Bowyer round out the top 10 starters.

Reach Don Coble at don.coble@morris.com.