To the best of my knowledge, I have never used a wrestling reference in this column. But, considering what Jimmie Johnson has been able to do at the “Monster Mile” that is Dover, it seems very appropriate that I decide to do so.
I’ve been a fan of NASCAR since the early 1990’s, about the same time that I also began watching professional wrestling.
I still am a fan of both. But now being able to combine both into one is something I’ve never been able to do…until now.
In the WWE, the cornerstone and yardstick that one could say current and future performers can be judged by because of longevity and what they have given to the profession is The Undertaker. Debuting in 1991, no one knew what he would become. What ended up happening is the same man, who in real life is named Mark Calaway, became one of the most respected, revered, and honored individuals in the business.
His unparalleled career spanned over a quarter century, thousands of performances, but still one character. That character changed looks, personas, and intentions over the years. But, he kept the character current, relevant, and something fans wanted to see.
For years, he referred to the wrestling ring as “his yard,” and he was the big dog of that yard.
It wasn’t until this year, at Wrestlemania, when The Undertaker suffered his second loss on wrestling’s greatest stage. Yes, SECOND, loss, in 25 appearances. At the end of the night, Calaway took off his gloves, then his coat, and finally his hat, placing them in the center of the ring. It was a signal that he was calling an end to his career, and handing over his yard to the new generation.
When it comes to NASCAR, Johnson has almost guaranteed the fact that Dover is his “yard” because on Sunday, despite leading just seven laps, he led the important one. He now has more wins than any driver at the track, 11, and now is tied with Cale Yarborough for victories in his career.
Dover is his yard, and Johnson is the big dog. But, unlike Taker, he’s not giving up his yard until he sees fit. Johnson’s career is far from over. He’s got more winning, and let’s face it, more titles coming in his future.
STAGE 1 WINNER: Martin Truex Jr.
STAGE 2 WINNER: Martin Truex Jr.
RESULTS: 1-Johnson 2-Larson 3-Truex Jr. 4-Newman 5-Elliott 6-Suarez 7-McMurray 8-Hamlin 9-Harvick 10-Patrick
NOTABLE FINISHES: 11-Earnhardt Jr. 12-Dillon 25-Logano 37-Kurt Busch 38-Keselowski 39-Stenhouse Jr.
CAUTIONS: 15 for 72 laps. Lap 18-21 (#83 Spin -T2); 48-52 (#17 Incident-T3); 63-65 (#17 Incident-FS); 67-70 (#2 and 41 Incident-T1); 97-104 (#14 Incident-T1); 122-127 (Stage 1 Conclusion); 147-150 (#10 Spin-T4); 195-198 (#22 Incident-T3); 219-222 (#34 Incident-T2); 242-247 (Stage 2 Conclusion); 265-268 (Debris-FS); 331-338 (#43 Incident-T2); 345-348 (#27 and 37 Incident-T2); 398-404 (#38 Incident-T2); 406-406 (#1, 3, 6, 5, 14, 47, 31, 72 and 77 Incident-FS).
LEAD CHANGES: 17 among 9 drivers. Kyle Busch 1-18; R. Stenhouse Jr. 19-21; M. Truex Jr. 22-49; K. Larson 50-80; M. Truex Jr. 81-122; K. Larson 123-146; M. McDowell 147-150; K. Larson 151-194; Kyle Busch 195; K. Larson 196-211; M. Truex Jr. 212-243; K. Larson 244-326; J. McMurray 327-328; J. Johnson 329-332; R. Newman 333; T. Dillon # 334-360; K. Larson 361-403; J. Johnson 404-406.
TIME OF RACE: 3 Hrs, 52 Mins, 6 Secs.
AVERAGE SPEED: 104.955 MPH
MARGIN OF VICTORY: Under caution
POINT STANDINGS (Points/Behind Leader [Playoff Points]): 1. Truex Jr, 545 [18]; 2. Larson, -9 [7]; 3. Harvick, -116 [3]; 4. Kyle Busch, -129 [3]; 5. McMurray, -130; 6. Johnson, -131 [15]; 7. Keselowski, -135 [12]; 8. Elliott, -147 [2]; 9. Hamlin, -184 [2]; 10. Bowyer, -196; 11. Logano, -197 [1]; 12. Kenseth, -218 [1]; 13. Blaney, -225 [3]; 14. Stenhouse Jr, -246 [5]; 15. Newman, -246 [5]; 16. Kurt Busch, -254 [5]; 21. Dillon, -282 [5].
