If the above headline sounds familiar, there’s a reason: It’s been used in just about every single Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup since its inception in 2004.

True, Johnson has not held the points lead in each of the nine Chases, but with his win at Martinsville on Sunday, he has now won in all nine of them (though never this late into a postseason session). Sunday’s win at Martinsville was Johnson’s record 21st career win in the Chase, 10 more than second-best in the category (Tony Stewart).

More pressing, though, Johnson reclaimed the points lead from Brad Keselowski – a comfortable spot to reside with three races remaining.

In the eight previous Chases, the points leader with three races remaining has gone on to win the championship five times.