Is it too early to be thinking about next year? I mean, sure it’s technically possible that Jimmie Johnson could lose his entire chase lead in one race. But I think I can count on one hand the number of people who believe that will happen. If the 48 can make it through Talladega unscathed, and I’m betting they will, then it’s pretty much smooth sailing right? Everybody, including myself is ready to hand over the trophy to Jimmie after only 5 races. Halfway! Go Jimmie! Seriously. It’s over.

Not so fast.

Anyone remember the 2007 New England Patriots? 19-0? Or do you remember them the way I do? 19-1? The biggest “1″ in NFL history. Or how about Davey Allison in 1992? or Mark Martin in 1990? It’s not over folks. And I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that not only is it not over, but that Jimmie Johnson will NOT be your 2009 Nascar Champion. I’m not going to say who it is, because the whole point here is that we are only halfway through the chase. I don’t know who it will be, but my money is not on Jimmie Johnson. So the 48 has a lead after 5 races of 90 points. That can be erased in one bad race. And not even a bad race – a David Stremme blown tire while accidentally driving next to you race. So while I’m guilty in some regards of wanting to just hand the trophy over (after all the 48 is scary good, and in the chase – legendary good) , we can’t do that. And we shouldn’t. Let the chase play out until the last race. After all, the whole point of the chase is to build excitement. So if your driver is within striking distance of 2nd or 3rd, don’t give up hope. If you’re a Brian Vickers fan, well, hey! You made The Chase!