Jimmie's Playoff Run

[BobbyC]

This came from ESPN/Jayski. In the past 33 Sprint Cup playoff races, Jimmie Johnson has been on a tear.

* Worst finish - 15th (2008 Homestead, in "safe" mode to clinch)
* 11 Wins
* 9 Podium Finishes on lower steps
* 2 4th-5th
* 7 6th-10th
* 4 11th-15th

What does this say about a man who sees "playoff" and says "let's go"?

[Mark in Oshawa]

Bobby, I think it can be said that no other driver is as " Clutch " as JJ is. No other team has grasped the significance of the last 10 races and putting their efforts to bringing cars ready to win at all 10. They use the first 26 to test, win when they can, but to store up their tricks and best ideas for the final 10. No other driver is as smart as JJ on the track really also, and it is a lethal combination when you have a guy who see's the big picture the way Chad Knaus does.

[BobbyC]

I've called Jimmie "Mr. Clutch" Time running out, give him the ball, score, good night, game over, drive home safely.

That's Jimmie Johnson. He's on the level of Robert Horry, Reggie Jackson, and other greats in sports whose best moments come on the verge of playoffs.

Jimmie has won in the playoff these races in the playoffs (since the implementation of the playoffs):

* Dover
* Kansas
* Charlotte
* Fontana (2009)
* Atlanta (2004)
* Martinsville
* Dover
* Darlington (2004)
* Texas (2007)
* Phoenix

Johnson has not won Chase races at New Hampshire (his last fall race win was 2003), Talladega (only one NSCS win), and Homestead. Darlington and Atlanta are not on the Chase schedule currently but Johnson won races when they were in the Chase.