How Jimmie Johnson’s Lack of a Rival Hurts His Place in NASCAR History

Rivalries are at the heart of sports. Yankees vs. Red Sox. Alabama vs. Auburn. Celtics vs. Lakers. Some of the greatest moments in sports history were born from bitter rivalries. It's the same in baseball, football and basketball as it is in NASCAR. Richard Petty had David Pearson. Cale Yarborough had Bobby Allison. Dale Earnhardt had Rusty Wallace. Jeff Gordon had Dale Earnhardt. Jimmie Johnson has no such rival, and his legacy is hurt because of it.   Pushing Harder As has been the case since he arrived on tour in 2002, there hasn't been another driver on Johnson's level this season. He holds a 75-point lead over second place Clint Bowyer in Sprint Cup points. He has led more laps (1136), recorded more top-10 finishes (15) and has a...

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