Jimmie who? 2,800 mentions and counting

According to research conducted by Joyce Julius & Associates Inc. no driver has been mentioned more by announcers, interviewed more frequently, or delivered more television exposure this season for sponsors than four-time defending champion Jimmie Johnson.

Joyce Julius has monitored every NASCAR race telecast over the last 25 years.

Johnson’s name was mentioned more than 2,800 times during the first 18 live event telecasts (and replays) of the 2010 Cup season. He also appeared in a series-high 32 interviews segments.

Johnson’s sponsors were mentioned by him, his crew, or the TV announcers on 95 occasions, helping to accumulate an overall in-broadcast exposure value of $48 million, the research company said.

Such research is among the many considerations used by teams, sponsors, broadcasters, NASCAR and others when negotiating contracts.