#48-Jimmie Johnson’s stats over the last eight years with five races reaming in his 8th year, compared to the 5 other greats with multiple wins and championships in their 1st full 8 seasons in the modern era [1972 to present]:
* Johnson’s Career 1st 8 years 2002 to 2009
o 46 wins, 114 top fives, 176 top tens, three back to back championships
* Richard Petty’s Career 1st 8 years (modern era) 1972 to 1979
o 50 wins, 156 top fives, 181 top tens, 4 championships
* Cale Yarborugh’s Career 1st 8 years (modern era) 1973 to 1980
o 55 wins , 158 top fives, 172 top tens 3 back to back championships
* Darrel Waltrip’s Career 1st 8 years 1975 to 1982
o 51 wins, 129 top fives, 154 to tens, 2 Championships
* Dale Earnhardt’s Career 1st 8 years 1979 to 1986
o 20 wins, 93 top fives, 143 top tens, 2 championships
* Jeff Gordon’s career 1st 8 years 1993 to 2000
o 52 wins, 129 top fives, 166 to tens, 3 championships
(Stagged Special)(10-21-2009)
