Jimmie Johnson captured his 66th career win on Sunday afternoon at Texas Motor Speedway after completely dominating the day.
The point’s standings were the picture on many people’s minds following the AAA 500 in Fort Worth, Texas. But, I quickly realized Johnson sits now just 10-wins behind Dale Earnhardt Sr. on the all-time win’s list.
We aren’t realizing it, but a legend is being born in front of our eyes. Dale Earnhardt took 26 years to reel in seven championships along with 76 wins. I’m not underestimating Earnhardt’s amazing career, but Johnson has taken 11 years to rack up 66 wins along with five championships.
Maybe Earnhardt isn’t the greatest comparison to Johnson. Let’s compare five-time with David Pearson, who reeled in over 100 wins.
Pearson took 23 years to win 105 races and three championships. Obviously, Johnson has more championships, but I guarantee that Johnson’s on track to get just about as many wins as Pearson, if not more.
Johnson has a win percentage that is highest among active drivers of 15.046 percent. Jeff Gordon is the closet to Johnson in that category with a 12.188 win percentage. If Johnson keeps on track with that win percentage it will signify that Johnson will reach the milestone of over 100 wins.
Wins aren’t the only category that Johnson can set records in. With five titles throughout his 11 full-time years in the NSCS he is on pace to tie or break Petty and Earnhardt’s seven championship record.
Once again, I said you might not realize it but a legend is being born.
