The new Nextel Cup Champion is, and appears to be, well spoken and has few, if any, rough edges...which is exactly what the spinmeisters at NASCAR want.
What would they do if their champion was like the late, lamented Curtis Turner? Ol' Pops was a hard drinking hell raiser, with ooodles of charm. (sorta also like one Tim Richmond, IIRC).
Props to Johnson, Chad Knaus, and all the crew who 'manned up' when Knaus was exiled for the first four races--that performance set the stage for the championship.
