NASCAR Cup Series

Johnson matches legends, wins third Driver of the Year award

Published Dec. 17, 2009 6:11 a.m. ET

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Whether you call him Mr. Autumn or Four-Straight; Jimmie Johnson will also answer to the moniker 2009 Driver of the Year.

He 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 winner of the award.

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. is eligible to vote via a secret ballot.

Johnson, a California native, rewrote NASCAR records as he won his fourth straight Sprint Cup championship, the first driver to do so. Johnson won the Driver of the Year in 2006 and 2007 and 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.

"It will take some time to sink in,” said Johnson. “It’s an amazing accomplishment; I’m proud to be considered. When you look at the all the people being considered, it’s not a popularity contest.”

“While the panel has shown its independence, integrity and ability to look beyond the headlines there was no contest this year,” said Driver of the Year president Barry Schmoyer.

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.

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