With three titles, no telling how far Johnson can go (cont'd)

"Yeah, we want four [consecutive titles]. Why not? That's why we're here," the crew chief said. "With the team that we've got, the resources we've got with Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet behind us, we can definitely go and bid for four championships in a row. I mean, why wouldn't we? Give me a reason not to. I think that's the mentality we have to have."

To Hendrick, that's a good sign. "Sometimes when guys get it one time or twice, they maybe back off a little bit," he said. "They've gotten there. This [third title] makes these guys hungrier. The chemistry between them, and the respect they have, I hope there's nothing in the future that will separate them. As long as they have this burning desire with their talent, they'll be a force every single year."

This third championship campaign was not without its trials, chief among them a slow start that left Johnson and Knaus searching early in the season. They've already endured a near-breakup, their disparate personalities clashing after a fifth-place showing in points in 2005. But while at their peak, they've yet to face the kind of moment that will stretch bonds to their limit. Inevitably, Gordon believes, that moment will come. How they weather it may determine how much further they can go.

"You're going to have some down years," Gordon said. "You're going to have some years that don't go your way. The 48 team hasn't really seen that yet. This year was probably the biggest challenge I've seen them have since they got into the series. The way the season started for them, that's what makes it so impressive, what they did this year. But when they go through that tough year -- if they ever do -- that's going to show what they're really made of. I think challenges are good for them, because it really does show how bad they want it. Whether they can stick together and continue to do what they've been doing remains to be seen. But right now I can't see anybody beating them."

Edwards, certainly, will try. "I guess Jimmie has a chance to make some real history next season," said the Roush Fenway driver, who didn't win the championship but did win his series-leading ninth race. "I would be glad to be the guy who denied him that chance."

He'd be succeeding where many others have failed. This weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway brought Jimmie Johnson a third championship. Another would tie Gordon, and perhaps bring an unprecedented four in a row. Seven, the number of kings and intimidators, remains out there in the ether, waiting to be challenged just as Yarborough's record once was. Listening to Johnson talk Sunday evening, nothing seems out of bounds.

"It's not that we're chasing a number," Johnson said. "It's that we know what we're capable of."

The opinions expressed are solely of the writer.

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