Taking a look back at NASCAR's 2009 season

Friday, Nov. 27, 2009

Jimmie Johnson has won his fourth consecutive Cup championship and will be celebrating next week in Las Vegas, new site of the annual awards banquet.

Here is a look back at 2009: the highs and lows, the best moments and the worst.

Driver of the year

There is some credibility to Kyle Busch as a nominee, considering his excellence across NASCAR's top three series, but in the end Johnson's accomplishment is too significant. Johnson always is good, and is at his best when it matters most. Just look at his winning percentage (30percent) in Chase races.

Race of the year

Talladega, Ala., in April. The race provided the things that provoke the most interest in NASCAR - a crazy ending with an unexpected winner (Brad Keselowski) and a death-defying wreck during the closing laps (involving Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman and others) that left NASCAR scratching its head over how to manage superspeedway racing.

Feud of the year

This was a close call until the final race weekend. Busch's constant bickering with Dale Earnhardt Jr. got the early nod, but the Keselowski-Denny Hamlin feud gets the vote because of their on-track performances during the Nationwide Series season finale.

Comeback of the year

Mark Martin might be a five-time runner-up for the Cup title, but he is champion of this category. Martin returned to full-time competition with a new organization (Hendrick Motorsports) and put in a performance worthy of title consideration were it not for a teammate who is on another level altogether.

Most unusual driver injury

Edwards' broken foot as a result of - no lie - a Frisbee accident. You can't make this stuff up.

Best NASCAR decision

Adding double-file restarts. It was a no-brainer. And you know it's a good decision when drivers are complaining it makes them have to work harder.

Worst NASCAR decision

The unusual "warning" given the Hendrick teams of Johnson and Martin that they were "too close to tolerance" after postrace inspection at Kansas. If it's not a crime, then it's not right to make an accusation.

Most over-hyped story

Danica Patrick. Depending upon the source, she is either already in NASCAR, never coming to NASCAR, in the final phase of entering NASCAR or coming to NASCAR at a date to be named. Just think of the coverage if she had impressive credentials as well.

Most reported story that still hasn't happened

The merger between Richard Petty Motorsports and Yates Racing. An "intent" to merge was first reported during September, followed by weekly reports of its imminent completed work. After Homestead, Fla., there still was no word. RPM driver Kasey Kahne has been skeptical from the start. Perhaps more of us should have listened to him.

Biggest disappointment

No question, it's Earnhardt Jr. Regardless of the crew chief situation, there is something more going on here than meets the eye. You don't win 18 Cup races without talent. And you don't go from that kind of success to being unable to get out of your own way on the track without some credible explanation. But what is it?

Most improved driver

Juan Pablo Montoya. Not only was his performance impressive, but Montoya's ability to contend for wins and the championship brought extra excitement to the series.

Oddest moment

Elliott Sadler exiting his wrecked car in the middle of pit road during pit stops at the season finale. Did that really happen?

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