January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Looking back at the season that was
Here is a look back at the 2009 season, the highs and lows, the best moments and the worst.
Driver of the year: There is some credibility to Kyle Busch as a nominee, considering his continued excellent performance across NASCAR's top three series, but in the end Johnson's accomplishment is just too significant to ignore. He is good always and best when it matters most. Just look at his winning percentage (30 percent) in Chase races.
Race of the year: April's Aaron's 499 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. The race provided two things that provoke the most interest in NASCAR - a crazy ending with an unexpected winner (this time Brad Keselowski) and a death-defying wreck in the closing laps (involving Carl Edwards, Ryan Newman and others) that left NASCAR scratching its head over how to manage superspeedway racing.
Feud of the year: This was a close call until the final race weekend. Kyle Busch's constant bickering with Dale Earnhardt Jr. through the season got the early nod, but the Keselowski-Denny Hamlin feud gets the final verdict based on on-track performance in the Nationwide Series season finale.
Comeback of the year: Mark Martin may be a five-time runner-up for the Cup title but he is champion of this category. Martin returned to fulltime competition with a new organization (Hendrick Motorsports) and put in a performance worthy of title consideration were it not for a teammate who is playing the game on another level altogether.
Most unusual driver injury: Edwards' broken foot as a result of - no lie here - a Frisbee accident. You can't make this stuff up.
Best NASCAR decision: Adding double-file restarts. It was a no-brainer. And you know it's a good decision when drivers are complaining it makes them have to work harder.
Worst NASCAR decision: The unusual "warning" given the Hendrick teams of Johnson and Martin that they were "too close to tolerance" after post-race inspection at Kansas. If it's not a crime then it's not right to make an accusation.
Most over-hyped story: Danica Patrick. Depending on the source, she is either already in NASCAR, never coming to NASCAR, in the final phase of entering NASCAR, coming to NASCAR at a date to be named later. Just think of the coverage if she had impressive credentials as well.
Most reported story that still hasn't happened yet: The merger between Richard Petty Motorsports and Yates Racing. An "intent" to merge was first reported in September with reports of its imminent completed work coming weekly since. After the final lap at Homestead there was still no word. RPM driver Kasey Kahne has been skeptical from the start. Perhaps more of us should have listened to him.
Biggest disappointment: No question here. Earnhardt Jr. Regardless of the crew chief situation, there is something more going on here than meets the eye. You don't win 18 Cup races without driving talent. And you don't go from that kind of success to unable to get out of your own way on the track without some credible explanation. But what is it?
Most improved driver: Juan Pablo Montoya. Not only was his improved performance impressive, but Montoya's ability to contend for race wins and the championship brought some extra excitement to the series.
Oddest moment: Elliott Sadler exiting his wrecked racecar in the middle of pit road during a round of pit stops in last weekend's season finale at Homestead. Did that really happen? n[[In-content Ad]]
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