Jimmy Johnson still in the Sprint Cup lead but Mark Martin is coming (AP)
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So Jimmy Johnson thought this thing was over. However no one told the old man Mark Martin.
How about we look at the five men with remote chance of taking over the top spot if Johnson were to crumble down the strech.
1 Jimmie Johnson: He is expected to bounce back after last week’s disaster at Texas. Six of his seven top fives in 12 starts have come in the last six races, three of which were wins. His average finish at Phoenix is 5.4, so if Johnson runs to form, he should be OK.
2 Mark Martin: He won in April, snapping Johnson’s three-race winning streak at the track. Understatement: Martin needs to win again today. Reality: Martin needs to finish as far ahead of Johnson as possible.
3 Jeff Gordon: He is 112 points back and a long, long, long shot. But … Martin picked up 111 points on Johnson last week, so why give up hope? Gordon has one win and 15 top 10s in 21 starts at Phoenix.
4 Juan Pablo Montoya: He is winless but has been close to a win this year, especially at Indy. Unlike the others, though, if he doesn’t win today or in next week’s finale, he will not go into the offseason with disappointment. This has been a breakout season for Montoya.
5 Carl Edwards: A win now is a consolation prize for Edwards, who was expected to challenge Johnson for the championship after almost unseating him last year. Edwards is winless this season, so top fives are reasons to celebrate.
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