#48-Jimmie Johnson is almost assured of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Sprint Cup title, but Hendrick Motorsports has another dominance record it can achieve. Rick Hendrick can become the first team owner in NASCAR history to sweep the top three spots in the standings. With three races remaining, Hendrick drivers hold down first, second and third with Johnson, #5-Mark Martin and #24-Jeff Gordon, respectively. #42-Juan Pablo Montoya, who drives for Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, is 4th, 47 points behind Gordon and #14-Tony Stewart [tech alliance with Hendrick] is 87 points behind Gordon in 5th. Hendrick is the only organization to claim the top two spots in the standings since the modern era began in 1972. Terry Labonte won the 1996 championship when teammate Jeff Gordon finished second. Gordon also was second to Johnson in 2007.(read full story at ESPN)(11-5-2009)
