Some NASCAR fans dislike Jimmie Johnson because he’s boring, robot-like and, well, very vanilla. It’s true, he’s all those things, but why is that a problem?

There was only one Dale Earnhardt Sr. He’s gone. Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t winning a title any time soon. Jeff Gordon. Boring. Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer, Greg Biffle. Ditto. Kyle Busch is a punk and Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards are bullies.

Of course, all of the above are mere perceptions. Part of NASCAR’s appeal is that it is a sport for all kinds of personalities. It doesn’t matter if you’re Type A or Type B. Richard Petty will never be considered as having a great personality, but he was a great champion because he was always true to who he was.

Gordon has endured the same label as Johnson since he first won a championship, but for some reason he hasn’t fought it like his friend and teammate has. Maybe it was becuase, in his early years, he had Earnhardt Sr. to play off of. Johnson has yet to find his alter ego.

Johnson tried in the past year to liven up his appeal, even hiring an agency. He let his hair grow, he yelled a few times on the radio and even let out a few curse words during small-group interviews. But it was all forced, very clear to see. That’s just not who he is.

Johnson is a very intelligent, introverted person who does not crave the spotlight. He represents everything NASCAR wants to showcase. He will never be a fan favorite, and he’s OK with that.