NASCAR Sprint Cup 2009: A Season of Surprises and Success

The 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. With a new points system and a host of new drivers, the season was wide open from the start.

The New Points System

One of the biggest changes for the 2009 season was the introduction of a new points system. The new system rewarded drivers for winning races and running well throughout the season. It also made it more difficult for drivers to make up ground if they had a bad race.

The new points system had a significant impact on the way drivers raced. Drivers were more willing to take risks in order to win races, and they were less likely to settle for a top-five finish. This led to some exciting racing and a number of close finishes.

New Drivers

Another big story in the 2009 season was the arrival of a number of new drivers. Some of these drivers, such as Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski, were highly touted prospects. Others, such as David Reutimann and Paul Menard, were more experienced drivers who were looking for a chance to prove themselves.

The new drivers made an immediate impact on the Sprint Cup Series. Logano won two races in his rookie season, and Keselowski won one race. Reutimann and Menard also had strong seasons, finishing in the top 10 in points.

The Chase for the Championship

The 2009 Chase for the Championship was one of the most exciting in recent memory. Four drivers entered the Chase with a chance to win the championship, and the outcome was not decided until the final race of the season.

Jimmie Johnson ultimately won the championship, but he had to hold off a strong challenge from Mark Martin. Martin led the Chase standings for much of the season, but he could not hold on in the end.

Other Notable Moments

The 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was full of other notable moments. Some of these moments included:

• Carl Edwards's dramatic win at the Coke Zero 400
• Tony Stewart's victory in the Brickyard 400
• Jeff Gordon's emotional win at the Daytona 500
• Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first win of the season at Talladega Superspeedway

Conclusion

The 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season was one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. The new points system and a host of new drivers made the season wide open from the start. The Chase for the Championship was also one of the most exciting in recent memory, with four drivers entering the final race with a chance to win the championship.