Hendrick’s success is exactly what NASCAR needed – an organizational villain. Sure, there have been hated drivers in the past. Dale Earnhardt was successful, but not everyone wanted to see him win every week. The same applied to Richard Petty and, outside this season, Tony Stewart.
But when was the last time a team like Hendrick had opposing fans wanting to stand up and throw their cases of domestic beers at owner Rick Hendrick and the Johnson/Gordon duo?
The reasons to despise the duo are many.
They are successful. The tandem has combined to win 16 of 36 races (44 percent) this season. Johnson has won the last four races. Both parade around the garage with beautiful wives. Jessie H. Nunery, RockyMountTelegram.com
With 17 wins by its four drivers, Hendrick Motorsports has clearly been the most dominant team in NASCAR this season.
Busch trails Clint Bowyer for third place by just 158 points. Hendrick teammates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon are first and second and locked into a championship battle. They head into Sunday’s Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway separated by just 30 points in the standings.
“Hendrick is a good strong organization with great leadership,” Evernham said. “There was a change this year with the Car of Tomorrow. Anytime there’s a change, the best prepared team is going to get there first. On average over the next five years, Hendrick is going to be the best team because they’re best prepared.” IHT.com
| 
|