#48-Jimmie Johnson was elected by an elite panel of broadcasters and journalists the 2009 Driver of the Year. Johnson becomes only the fourth three-time Driver of the Year winner, following other racing greats Mario Andretti, Darrell Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon. Gordon is the only four-time Driver of the Year, America’s original race driver’s award. Johnson rewrote NASCAR records as he won his fourth- straight Sprint Cup championship, the first driver to do so. Johnson the Driver of the Year in 2006 and 2007 also won the fourth quarter 2009 Driver of the Year award. In spite of all the trophies and honors, especially around the busy NASCAR Champion’s week, Johnson was a bit surprised when he was informed of the panel’s decision – “fantastic, cool,” he said adding “it will take some time to sink in.”
“It’s an amazing accomplishment, I’m proud to be considered,” he added. When advised of the members of the panel and that top drivers from all US series are eligible for the award, Johnson noted “when you look at the all the people being considered it’s not a popularity contest.” Professionals, who voted in a secret ballot for a single driver, gave Johnson 13 votes, Kyle Busch received two votes, and Mark Martin received one vote. In its’ 43rd year, the Driver of the Year title is unique because it is the original award of its’ type that encompasses all of the racing series in the United States. A panel of 20 leading journalists and broadcasters from across the U.S. are eligible to vote via a secret ballot. Four votes were not tabulated this year. Johnson will receive a trophy and a Tissot wristwatch which will be presented at a place and time to be announced later.(Driver of the Year Foundation PR)(12-16-2009)
