Johnson talk a familiar storyline at Chase time

Everyone knew he was coming and, to be honest, he didn't have that far to go.

He still isn't where he needs or wants to be, even though it seems as if he's already arrived. But when the only guy in front of him in the point standings has taken to referring to him by saying, "I'm pretty sure that dude's Superman," it only reinforces the feeling of inevitability that is beginning to envelop Jimmie Johnson's chances of winning a fourth consecutive Cup Series championship.

Got the message?

Actions speak louder than words, and Jimmie Johnson's win reverberated through the garage area like a car stereo with the bass cranked up.

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The question that begs to be asked is: would that be good for the sport?

Johnson won Sunday's AAA 400 at Dover International Speedway in dominating fashion. He led 271 of 400 laps, including the last 225 in the second race that comprises the 10-race Chase to the Sprint Cup.

With eight races to go in the Chase, the three-time defending champ remains 10 points behind leader Mark Martin, a Hendrick Motorsports teammate who arguably is the most compelling story on the Cup circuit this season. Martin's comeback -- a return to a full-time ride after two seasons of self-induced, part-time exile -- has been nothing short of remarkable.

Johnson, one of the nicest guys in the garage, would not argue with that. But that doesn't mean he's about to step aside and let Martin or anyone else lay claim to what has been his for three years running, and Sunday served as the starkest reminder yet of that dogged mind-set that is so tough to beat.

And let's get this straight: no one is saying Johnson, whose crew chief, Chad Knaus, insists works harder than anyone else in the driver pool, doesn't deserve a fourth consecutive title. No one is saying that's not a good story in its own right.

But gee whiz, after three years of Jimmie, isn't a little diversity in order? (Continued)