2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Preview: Jimmie Johnson

The Chase for History will now carry into the 2015 season as Jimmie Johnson fell short of winning his record tying seventh championship last season in the Sprint Cup Series.

Looking Back at 2014

Johnson has been known throughout his career for placing himself in championship contention, and posting consistent finishes. However, last year didn’t go his way as he would post worst career points finish in finishing 11th in points.

The season was on the right course during the regular part of the year, with solid top-10 finishes being posted and three wins. Though there were some slip ups in the form of mid-pack finishes and DNFs. That’s certainly not the Jimmie Johnson that were used to and caused concern for fans and the media through the middle part of the year. But, no fear, as the simple format had Johnson qualified for the Chase and perhaps Chad Knaus was trying things to see if they could somehow step it up in those final 10 races.

Getting into those races, Johnson started off the Chase with first round consistency, looking as though he’d solidly keep himself moving from one round to the next. But that was all put to an end in the second round with finishes of 40th at Kansas Speedway, 17th at Charlotte Motor Speedway and 24th at Talladega Superspeedway. He would then finish off the year with two finishes outside of the top 30, along with a ninth at Homestead and a win at Texas Motor Speedway.

Looking Ahead to 2015

If Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus can return to their old kind, they can easily qualify themselves for the Chase for the Championship without any fears. From that point on, they’re going to need to find ways to avoid the trouble that found them last year and stay near the front. The speed was there, but there was no luck. Anybody got a four leaf clover?

There’s also the new rule package this year. Knaus has been known for being innovative in the past so perhaps he can use this rule change to his advantage and find what is need to make Johnson fast before the rest of his competitors do. Just make sure you stay within the rules, Mr. Knaus, as you’ve found yourself outside those boundaries in the past.

About the Author

Ashley McCubbin

Joining OnPitRoad.com mid-2013 season, Ashley McCubbin is now the Managing Editor and contributes to each racing division as needed. Since studying journalism at the University of Guelph-Humber, Ashley has published articles on a couple of different websites, while serving as a public relations representative for different short track teams. Born in North York, Ontario, Ashley currently lives in Bradford, Ontario and spends her weekend at the local short tracks in the area. She has spent her entire life at the short track level, falling in love with the sport at the age of five. Beyond her love of short track racing, she also has grown an interest for both NASCAR and the IndyCar Racing Series. She also enjoys taking photos and working on websites, while playing a couple rounds of Candy Crush afterwards.

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