Tuesday, January 10th 'What If' Question

Following the 2001 season Jeff Gordon was the man on top of the sport and on the top of the list to tie if not pass Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt with seven Cup championships.

Gordon had just won his fourth title and it didn't look like he was going to stop winning anytime soon. But a lot has changed since 2001 like the cars, tracks, rules, teams and drivers. Gordon has continued to win races, he now sits third on the all-time wins list with 85 behind Petty (200) and Pearson (105), except the number in the championship column hasn't changed.

Gordon is still at four with Tony Stewart since claiming three titles since Gordon's last. Jimmie Johnson has claimed five and Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch each won their first. It hasn't been for a lack of trying on Gordon's part though, he finished second in 2007 after he dominated the season by putting together a modern day record of top tens with 30. But in the Chase he lost to Johnson who put together a better average during the 10 Chase races.

It wasn't the first time that the Chase seemed to do Gordon in. In 2004 Gordon scored the most points during the entire 36 week schedule, but not as many as Kurt Busch did during the 10 weeks during the Chase. Then in 2009 Gordon finished third in points as Hendrick Motorsports swept the top three spots.

So, he and his fans still wait for the next time they'll be on the big stage. Never knowing that it would take this long before they felt the taste of a championship again. If there's one thing that can be counted on though it's that every preseason Gordon will be on the top of a few lists to win his fifth championship. Just as he's been for the last 10 years. This will be the year they say, only to say it again the following preseason.

But ...

What if Jeff Gordon never wins another championship, will many attempt to turn the discussion or blame toward the Chase?

@Talon64 What if? Jeff Gordon fans already do; would've won championship under old system in 2004 and 2007.

@rcracer20 points are points,you need the most to win,then, when you also get rewarded points for wins #getuponthewheelanddrive