Johnson comparable to Yarborough?

There has been an internet backlash recently with fans arguing back and forth about whether or not Jimmie Johnson, who just claimed his third-straight Sprint Cup championship, is worthy enough to be compared to NASCAR's only other driver to win three consecutive titles, Cale Yarborough.

Yarborough won his three titles in 1976-1978. A feat that few thought could be equaled. Johnson proved them wrong as he claimed his third title this season by fending off hard-charging Carl Edwards.

But fans who have followed NASCAR for decades don't want to accept Johnson in the elite company of Yarborough. But why?

Their argument is that NASCAR is different than it was in the 70s. Johnson enjoyed his three titles under NASCAR's new championship format called the 'Chase for the Sprint Cup,' where the top 10 (or in the case of the last two years 12) drivers competed in a 10-race playoff to determine the championship. In Yarborough's day the champion was determined by the driver who earned the most points through all the races, not just the final 10.

But the new championship format isn't Johnson's fault. He didn't create it. He, like the other drivers of today, have to fight for the title under the current format.

Many of NASCAR purists dislike the current NASCAR. Saying that it's evolved too far too quickly. They may have a point, but it's not fair to penalize drivers like Johnson for winning championships under a format they have no control over. Johnson's and Yarborough's stats during their three-year runs are comparable, even through the two completely different eras.

Johnson is every bit as worthy of fans' admiration as Yarborough is. I'm sure in 20 years, Johnson will be held in regard as one of NASCAR's greatest drivers. He may even have a few more championship trophies over the fireplace too.