Monday, January 10th 'What If' Question

He's not the most hated man in NASCAR but if Jimmie Johnson keeps winning championships he might start to become one.

Now a five-time Sprint Cup Series champion, a five consecutive time champion, Johnson and his No. 48 Lowe's team led by crew chief Chad Knaus have the look of can't be beaten. Since entering the Cup Series in 2002 the due have won 25 poles, compiled 203 top 10s, 53 wins and five titles.

Johnson has been called the great driver in NASCAR history or at least in this generation. Knaus has been called one of the great crew chiefs in the sport. He's also been called one of the great cheaters as well. But whatever they're being called it hasn't slowed them down and they will go down in history as one of the most dominate teams the sport has ever had.

Or any sport since that matter.

Of course, the doubters have always been there. Saying Johnson is nothing without Knaus and vice versa. Beyond doubters have been those who blame Jeff Gordon for giving Johnson a ride in the first place when he approached him back in 2001 during a Nationwide Series race.

At the time, Johnson was a no-named Nationwide driver that had one win in 81 starts. Gordon gave him a shot in the Cup Series and Rick Hendrick paired him with Knaus.

The rest they say is history.

But ...

What If Chad Knaus and Jimmie Johnson were not paired together in 2002, where would Johnson be in terms of accomplishments today? #NASCAR

@jlaracefan14 that is a very good question. #nascar

@Talon64 About 25 wins and one championship, either 2006 or 2009. Which means Mark could be a champ, Jeff 5-time. #NASCAR

@NancyatStudioN I don't know, but I wish JG would have gotten him instead.

@cruetten if the two never got hooked up, JJ would still be a mediocre driver in the NNS series

@denver2u He's talented as a driver,and with the same racecar setup..probably would have won at least 1championship,possibly 2.

@StrokerAce90 Pretty sure JJ wouldn't be at the level he is at today. (he & Chad click very well together) Maybe two Championships at best.

@NewKing48 The same. #fivetime

@ronsracing88 I think he would have a lot of wins, maybe not as many championships.