“Dale Sr. Would Not Have Been Able To..”: Tony Stewart Makes Bold Statement In Favor of Hendrick Motorsports Rival

To be mentioned in the same breath and in the same sentence as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt takes work. They were legends of the sport, and they achieved feats that no one did. That changed when Jimmie Johnson arrived in his #48 for Hendrick Motorsports in 2001. Winning 7 Cup Series for the team, Johnson entered himself into the book of legends. His on-track prowess saw him earn praise from one of his rivals, Tony Stewart.

Tony Stewart told Racer, “He was just a machine. You couldn’t rattle the guy. It didn’t matter what you did; he focused on what he was doing and didn’t care what you were doing around or behind him.” He went further to make an even bolder statement.

“If Dale (Earnhardt) Sr. was around during his era of championships, he would not have been able to rattle Jimmie Johnson. He just wouldn’t. Jimmie is just that solid. He had that much confidence, he had that much ability, and it wasn’t that he did anything special that others didn’t do, he just did it consistently over and over,” said Stewart.

“Every week he could do it. And they had a package that could work, and they all showcased each others’ talents in that organization and race team,” he said, applauding Johnson’s consistency.

Read More: Jimmie Johnson’s Tribute to Closest Friend Who Died a Tragic Death Captured in the Most Touching Manner

Stewart is not the only NASCAR legend to praise Jimmie Johnson, which shows that the cream of the sport agrees with his beliefs.

Jimmie Johnson has been called the best by other legends too

No one would question Tony Stewart’s credibility or judgment when he says he believes Dale Sr wouldn’t rattle Jimmie Johnson. For him, Johnson is far too steely to be intimidated by ‘The Intimidator’. His compliments become more of an achievement when one puts into perspective the rivalry the two had.

Between 2005 and 2012, only two drivers won the Cup Series – Stewart and Johnson. But Stewart is not the only one who believes so deeply in Johnson’s abilities. Bobby Allison, another one of NASCAR’s greatest, had made a similar statement in favor of the former HMS driver.

“Jimmie may just be the best there’s ever been. He has no weaknesses. He’s just so smooth on the track, like he’s not even trying. Nothing fazes him,” said Bobby in an interview with Sports Illustrated. 

That 2010 interview with the magazine came at the back of Jimmie’s record-setting win at Homestead in the final race of the season. The race was historic for many reasons. It meant Jimmie became the first driver to win 5 consecutive Cup Series.

Moreover, he became the first driver since 1975 to win the title after overcoming a points gap, in the final race of the season.

Watch This Story: Lionel Messi Receives One-Word Message From Hendrick Motorsports Legend Jimmie Johnson Post World Cup Heroics

Jimmie Johnson joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2001, but he didn’t hit the ground running. His first 4 full seasons had him finishing second twice and in fifth place the other two times. But Johnson had the ability – HMS knew it. They stuck with him, and it paid off. Drivers of Johnson’s talent are rare and few. It is unlikely there’ll be someone who can match him.

If Jimmie isn’t the epitome of greatness, it is difficult to understand what is!