For the past three weeks, white smoke has billowed from the back of Jimmie Johnson’s No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet.

Unlike the troubling smoke that has plagued his future teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr., Johnson’s smoke has been the result of strong runs, impressive wins and celebratory burnouts.

Making his late season charge, Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports team – led by crew chief Chad Knaus – have taken over the points lead by finishing in the top ten in all but two of the eight Chase races run so far (his worse finishes have been 14th twice). Consistent runs up front and the ability to avoid trouble both on the track and on pit road have proved that this No. 48 team is serious about defending their 2006 championship.

With only two races remaining, this year’s Chase for the Nextel Cup has essentially been narrowed down to a battle between Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate – not to mention part owner – Jeff Gordon.

Since Greg Biffle’s win at Kansas Speedway five weeks ago, only two names have been atop the leader board at the end of the day, Johnson or Gordon. Clint Bowyer sits in third place, 181 points out of the lead, and is the only other Chaser with any real potential to catch either HMS driver.

Barring uncharacteristic bad luck for both Johnson and Gordon, it seems Bowyer will finish the year right where he is. Despite this on-track battle, the two Hendrick teams continue to work together both at the track and in the shop.

Unlike the recent tensions that were brought to the surface at Roush Fenway Racing, Johnson and Gordon seemed determined to maintain their excellent relationship, while deciding the championship on the race track.