The 2007 NASCAR season under the Chase Format highlighted a defining moment in Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR dominance, with Jeff Gordon acknowledging that year as the turning point when Johnson’s team became nearly unbeatable. Johnson clinched his second Cup championship by winning 10 races and dominating the final stretch, while Gordon, despite an outstanding performance himself, finished as the runner-up. This dynamic season showcased how the Chase Format rewarded both consistency and clutch victories, shaping the trajectory of NASCAR competition in that era.
Jeff Gordon’s Remarkable 2007 Performance and Its Limitations
In 2007, Jeff Gordon delivered one of the most impressive seasons in NASCAR history. Paired with crew chief Steve Letarte, his No. 24 car achieved six wins, 21 top-five finishes, and an unprecedented 30 top-10 placements over 36 races. Gordon’s average finish was a stellar 5.0, demonstrating remarkable consistency by ending outside the top 10 only six times. Nonetheless, the structure of the Chase Format favored not just steady finishes but also high-impact wins, which worked in Johnson’s favor as he won four of the last five races.
Johnson’s Team Strength and Gordon’s Insight on Their ‘Invincibility’
Jimmie Johnson’s performance overshadowed others in 2007, with an average finish of 10.75 but an impressive 10 wins, including four late-season victories that clinched his championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Gordon pointed to that intense battle as the moment Johnson’s team developed a resilience that turned them into an almost “invincible” force in NASCAR.
I think 2007 was the year that the 48 team became that team themselves. They were so resilient and got it right back. When they won all those races in a row, it was devastating to us,
Jeff Gordon said.
But for them, I think that championship and that battle catapulted them to where they are now. It gave them an air of invincibility that allowed them to win even more championships,
he added.
Steve Letarte Reflects on the Challenge of Balancing Consistency and Wins
Steve Letarte, who was Gordon’s crew chief during 2007, reflected on how the Chase Format forced a shift in strategy, emphasizing the necessity of not only consistent finishes but also multiple race wins to secure a championship. Despite Gordon’s strong average finish of 5.0, Letarte remembered losing to Johnson due to the latter’s greater number of victories. He underlined that in the Chase Format, winning races carries immense points value that consistency alone cannot overcome.
I had a 5.0 average finish in 2007 and lost to Jimmy Johnson, who won four races [more],
Letarte recalled.
We could talk about consistency all we want, but in those final ten, you have to have both consistency, and you HAVE TO WIN RACES. There is no way, in my opinion, you can be the champion without winning multiple races in that championship 10 just because the points value is so high for the wins,
he emphasized.
I once had an average finish of 5.0 in The Chase and still lost the Championship…you have to be consistent AND win races to be crowned Champion in this format.
Inside The Race: https://t.co/2wM2dPm3Eg pic.twitter.com/WAi5RqTnPE
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) January 13, 2026
The Evolution of NASCAR’s Chase Format and Its Effects on Competition
Following the dominance of Team Penske under the newer three-race Elimination Format and the Next Gen car since 2022, NASCAR has recently reverted to the Chase Format, prompting changes in competitive dynamics. The updated Chase now places equal emphasis on points accumulation and consistency, while increasing the points awarded for a win from 40 to 55. This approach is designed to balance rewarding steady performance and race victories, allowing drivers with diverse strengths to remain championship contenders.
Under this system, drivers like Johnson, who amass numerous wins, maintain an advantage even if occasional poor finishes occur. At the same time, competitors known for regular top-five finishes can challenge effectively by capitalizing on consistent points. The balance attempts to prevent dominance by a single driver or team, ensuring a more level playing field and intensifying the championship battle.
Implications of 2007 for Future NASCAR Championships
The 2007 season remains a pivotal example of how the Chase Format can create tension between consistency and winning, with Jimmie Johnson’s ability to seize victories under pressure serving as a benchmark for success. Gordon’s near-championship highlighted the importance of adapting to the connection between wins and points. As NASCAR fine-tunes its rules to encompass both elements, the lessons from that intense rivalry between Gordon and Johnson continue to influence driver strategies and the broader competition landscape.
I once had an average finish of 5.0 in The Chase and still lost the Championship…you have to be consistent AND win races to be crowned Champion in this format.
Inside The Race: https://t.co/2wM2dPm3Eg pic.twitter.com/WAi5RqTnPE
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) January 13, 2026
