Jimmie Johnson named 2010 NMPA Richard Petty Driver of the Year

Jimmie Johnson continued his record-breaking streak of NASCAR Sprint Cup championships in 2010, winning his fifth consecutive title – and his second consecutive NMPA Richard Petty Driver of the Year award.

It’s the fifth time the membership of the National Motorsports Press Association has voted Johnson for the award, which has been given since 1969. That ties Johnson with Dale Earnhardt, who was named NMPA Richard Petty Driver of the Year five times.

The announcement was made Sunday during the NMPA’s annual convention in Charlotte, N.C.

During the 2010 season, Johnson earned six victories with 17 top-five finishes and 23 top-10 finishes. His top-five finishes led the series and his wins and top-10 finishes were second in the series.

Johnson also won this honor in 2004, ’06,’07 and ‘09.

Also receiving votes were Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Jamie McMurray and John Force.

Determined by vote of the membership, the Richard Petty Driver of the Year award has been presented annually since 1969 to recognize the season’s most outstanding driver. It is named in honor of NASCAR’s all-time leader in Cup victories.

Richard Petty Driver of the Year winners:

2010, Jimmie Johnson
2009, Jimmie Johnson
2008, Carl Edwards
2007, Jimmie Johnson
2006, Jimmie Johnson
2005, Tony Stewart
2004, Jimmie Johnson
2003, Ryan Newman
2002, Tony Stewart
2001, Kevin Harvick
2000, Bobby Labonte
1999, Dale Jarrett
1998, Jeff Gordon
1997, Dale Jarrett
1996, Terry Labonte
1995, Jeff Gordon
1994, Dale Earnhardt
1993, Rusty Wallace
1992, Davey Allison
1991, Harry Gant
1990, Dale Earnhardt
1989, Mark Martin
1988, Rusty Wallace
1987, Dale Earnhardt
1986, Tim Richmond and Dale Earnhardt
1985, Bill Elliott
1984, Terry Labonte
1983, Bobby Allison
1982, Darrell Waltrip
1981, Darrell Waltrip
1980 Dale Earnhardt
1979 Cale Yarborough
1978 Cale Yarborough
1977, Cale Yarborough
1976, Darrell Waltrip
1975, Richard Petty
1974, Richard Petty
1973, David Pearson
1972, Bobby Allison
1971, Bobby Allison
1970, Bobby Isaac
1969, LeeRoy Yarbrough
Jimmie Johnson named 2010 NMPA Richard Petty Driver of the Year Jimmie Johnson named 2010 NMPA Richard Petty Driver of the Year Reviewed by Admin on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 Rating: 5