Re: The Difference

Hammer wrote:

"Michael Johnson" <cds@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:NfGdncmcEcsSVLXanZ2dnUVZ_vGinZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hammer wrote:

"Nancy2" <nancy-dooley@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:1193844269.428737.230800@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Oct 31, 6:42 am, wayne <wa...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
On Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:19:52 -0400, Hammer wrote:
> I'd still give Jeff a slight edge in overall
> talent, but Jimmie's still getting better most of the time while >
Gordon
> has pretty much peaked IMO. Jimmie will eventually exceed the
master, > and
> as any great teacher will tell you, they didn't to their job >
correctly if
> such wasn't the case.

I have to disagree with you here Hammer. I think on most tracks Jimmie is
the more skilled driver, and that he is teaching Jeff things (like how to
use the brakes without wearing them out at the end). IMO, Jeff is doing
better this year because of Jimmie. Jimmie is toying with Jeff with the
points lead (here kitty kitty).

-- Wayne.

I can't recall the last time JG wore out his brakes.

I can recall once or twice last year, but it's irrelevant. Every driver does it from time to time, and it's not always the driver's fault (at least not completely).

The two drivers
have two completely different driving styles, which is why one setup
doesn't work for the other. JG is more old school; JJ is new school.
JJ isn't "teaching" JG anything. That doesn't mean one is better or
worse than the other - they're just different.

Now that's an informed and well stated assessment. I knew you had it in ya. ;)

I noted Wind Tunnel's crowning of JJ as the better driver because of
their comparison of the two of them since JJ started competing - the
stats show it. However, JJ will never have all the "first to
ever ...." stats that JG does. Tough cookies. >:-)

IMO they're both at such a level where direct & accurate comparisons aren't worth much. At the end of their careers when as much info has been revealed as possible, then folks can sit around and debate who was better with what,where, and when. Until then, I'm pleased to watch two outstanding racers going at it and performing at amazingly high talent & consistency levels. I said it before, '07 will be a year remembered as a great year in NASCAR racing, perhaps the best and last for some time to come.

This is where I respectfully disagree. If not for the Chase format, this year would be remembered as one of the most dominated seasons by a single driver in recent times. Personally, I think it will be remembered as the year Gordon was the best driver by far and it meant absolutely nothing in the final outcome. We are basically being fed a ten race season where any of twelve drivers with a hot streak could be sitting in Johnson's place. Jimmie Johnson is a good driver but he is far from being the best for the entire season. An equal combination of good talent and some blind luck is why he is in second place at this point in the season.

I won't keep going 'round and 'round with you because it appears you're always going to be locked into the past and never accept the sport as it's become. You put so much emphasis on Jeff's season as a whole, but if he's really so dominant he should have no trouble being the best during the last 10 races, which he and everyone else knew was going to be the real test & competition for Champion.

You know the answer already. No driver can decide when his "streak" is going to occur for a season. The fact is he has been dominant this season. He started the Chase 20 points down and quickly gained 70-80 points and now leads by 9 points for a net 29 point gain on Johnson since Race #26. You are right in that I won't accept NASCAR in its current form, as will many other people. The rating and attendance tell you I'm not the only one that feels this way.

You're too easy to dismiss Jimmie & Chad's 8 wins, and the fact that they made it clear they weren't going to kill themselves at the end of the regular season for meaningless races. 3 races to go and Jeff still has the lead, but instead of being confident, you have your excuses already lined up for when Jimmie wins.

Where would Jimmie be right now without a 300+/- point gift from NASCAR? Where do you get that I am not confident in Gordon winning? I'm a realist about it. I can't say he WILL win because I don't know if he will race well enough or get the right breaks. The same goes for Johnson. I can say that Gordon is the most consistent driver of the season, by far. That is undeniable. Can you say the same for any other driver this year?

You can say Jimmie's had "blind luck" and cling to whatever you like, but I think you're just preparing yourself for the inevitable, and that's the Championship going to the best driver and team in the sport. You can cling to Jeff's pre-Chase season all you want, and I'll cling to Jimmie's back to back Championships. ;-)

What exactly is defines the season champion now days? The one with the best streak for the last ten races? It certainly isn't the most consistent driver for the season. Right now I give equal odds to Gordon and Johnson. I actually like JJ and have great respect for him and his ability. You're trying to find drama where none exists.
.

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