Chase for the record book wasn't only 2009 storyline

From Kevin Harvick's victory in the Budweiser Shootout through Denny Hamlin's win in the season finale at Homestead, the 2009 season belonged to Jimmie Johnson. Now a four-time Cup Series champion, Johnson wrapped up his fourth consecutive title with another 10-race Chase run into the record books.

However, there were many other storylines that made headlines this year -- the economy and its effect on a sponsor-driven sport, Jeremy Mayfield's suspension following a failed drug test and the subsequent legal filings, Danica Patrick's seemingly never ending "talks" with team owners, not to mention the Hall of Fame as well as the on-track competition.

NASCAR.COM's staff writers weigh in with their top stories of the year:

Sponsorship was priceless in '09.

MARK AUMANN
The economic slowdown affected every facet of the sport in 2009, and may continue to do so in the near future.

Two of the sport's manufacturers -- Chevrolet and Chrysler -- faced bankruptcy and throttled back their monetary and engineering assistance. Major corporations cut back or eliminated their sponsorships altogether. Several teams merged or shuttered their operations, and in the process, laid off hundreds of employees. Others went the "start and park" route in an effort to limit expenses and maximize revenues.

The drop in attendance, close to 10 percent from 2008 estimates, was partially blamed on the recession, as fans had more difficult choices to make with their increasingly limited disposable income. Many members of the media found themselves facing the same situation as declining advertising revenue required downsizing. And even though the forecast is rosier for the foreseeable future, there's no guarantee NASCAR will return to its halcyon days any time soon.

Also in the news:
• Can anybody stop Johnson's dominance?

Jeremy Mayfield

JARROD BREEZE
A story that dominated the headlines for days on end and is far from being resolved is Jeremy Mayfield's fight against NASCAR. Given how the court systems work in this country, it could play out for years (just ask the folks at Kentucky Speedway).

It should be noted that Mayfield made a critical error in judgment. Did he or didn't he take methamphetamines remains at the root of subsequent lawsuits filed on behalf of both parties.

But Mayfield's decision to take NASCAR to task has in effect ended his driving days, regardless of his guilt or innocence. He'll have a better chance of clearing his name than ever again starting in a NASCAR-sanctioned race.

Also in the news:
• Four the score: Johnson, Ron Hornaday set championship records
• Talladega: big track, Big One, bigger problem

Jimmie Johnson

DAVID CARAVIELLO
Nobody in their right minds doubts the talent of Jimmie Johnson, who is the first driver to win four consecutive championships in NASCAR's premier division. But would even Johnson be able to achieve a feat at an organization other than Hendrick Motorsports?

We all thought this team had reached its zenith two years ago, when Johnson and Jeff Gordon battled for the title. Now the Hendrick fold has one-upped even itself, posting the first 1-2-3 points finish involving three drivers from the same organization. Mark Martin finished second behind Johnson, with Gordon third. All three figure to be prime championship contenders again next season.

Are there no limits to how much higher Hendrick can go? Are there are any teams out there that can match their depth? Is there any telling how long Hendrick, now with a record-tying nine Cup championships, can stay on top?

Also in the news:
• Television ratings and attendance figures each take a dip
• Jeremy Mayfield's alleged meth use challenges NASCAR's drug policy

Brian France

DUANE CROSS
The sport was the story of the year -- the layoffs across the industry; how the sport was affected by the economy; how the sport managed to carry on with a do-more-with-less mentality; the decision to leave New York in favor of Las Vegas for Champion's Week; the Mayfield saga; Danica this, Danica that; and not the least of which was the on-track competition, trumped by Hendrick Motorsports' successes ranging from Johnson, Martin, Gordon and extending to Stewart-Haas' Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman.

NASCAR's ongoing legal wrangling with Mayfield as well as sponsorship (or lack of sponsors' dollars) will continue to make headlines but as Danica's interest in the sport proves, NASCAR will remain the destination for top talent (especially from a marketing standpoint -- yes, I mean "money-making").

As for competition, obviously Hendrick Motorsports (which includes Stewart-Haas) is the undisputed front-runner. Joe Gibbs Racing is the next best race-day bet, followed by RCR and Roush, with Earnhardt Ganassi, Penske, Red Bull and Waltrip two steps behind.

Also in the news:
• Hall of Fame elects inaugural five-member class for 2010 induction
• Double-file restarts implemented throughout national series

BILL KIMM
I know saying Johnson and his fourth consecutive championship as the story of the year is an easy pick -- but four-in-a-row had never happened, so how can you ignore it?

Johnson's dominance is unappreciated and unprecedented. In eight seasons, Johnson has gone from unknown to fourth on the title list. He's gone from up-and-comer to a writer of history.

Petty, Earnhardt, Gordon, Yarborough -- none were able to do what Johnson did this season, and that is why not only is this the story of the year, it might be the story of the decade.

Also in the news:
• Will she or won't she? Danica keeps the garage buzzing
• Busch sets all kinds of records while dominating Nationwide Series

JOE MENZER
How can anyone select anything else for the 2009 Story of the Year? It has to be the unprecedented fourth consecutive championship earned by driver Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team led by crew chief Chad Knaus.

But part of that storyline also belonged to Martin, Johnson's Hendrick Motorsports teammate who drove the wheels off his own No. 5 Chevrolet and at least challenged Johnson for the title. And Martin did it at age 50, following a two-year semi-hiatus during which he drove only part time.

Watching Johnson and Martin battle all year, with Johnson eventually making history by holding off Martin in the end, was easily the season's most compelling story.

Also in the news:
• Stewart-Haas Racing takes off and does much better than expected
• Carl Edwards fails to win a Cup race after capturing a series-high nine in 2008

DAVE RODMAN
All you doubters, haters and ne'er-do-wells go away because this was history and it demands appreciation and respect. Johnson may be low-key, measured and politically calculating but in the position he's in of being an example to innumerable people, that's not a bad thing.

When it comes time to get after it, there are few better in the sport these days than Johnson. His ability as a team builder also can't be underestimated, even while his friend and crew chief, Knaus, deserves equal credit.

The bottom line is that even with the focus, ability and resources this group has, they still delivered this season in the face of incredible pressure to create this historic moment.

Also in the news:
• Edwards fails to win in the midst of a general Roush Fenway and Ford downturn
• Stewart assembles a pretty stout cast, then stands back and lets them rip

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.