Stories abound about how Jimmie Johnson would like to see a reward handed out to the winner of the "regular season" points leader.
Point of Order: You do get a prize, Jimmie. You are entered into the 10 race playoff-style "Chase for the Cup". A trophy, I remind you, that you have won FIVE CONSECUTIVE TIMES in your ten years on the circuit. No driver has ever done that, and only two drivers in history have bested that total. Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty, who picked up seven titles during their storied careers.
Let's take a moment to do some rough math. Career totals for Mr. Johnson during his 10 year career:
58 Wins
159 Top 5's
240 Top 10's.
At 36 races per season, he's winning at a rate of 16%. One out of every six races, on average, he takes home the checkered flag. Top 5; 44%. One out of every 2.25 races. Top 10; 66%. Two out of every three races.
Without spending a couple of days digging through stats, I'd have to imagine that these numbers lead all active drivers, and probably most retired drivers as well, based on percentages.
Do you really need another award? Pulling down six to seven million a year in purse money alone isn't enough? You're on form to win your sixth title, and you want yet another form of recognition? Really? Really. C'mon. C'MON.
*edit to say:
After a quick dig through Earnhardt's stats, JJ has bettered E's percentages. In his 25 year career: Wins; 11%. Top 5's; 41.5%. Top 10's; 63.3%.