Jimmie Johnson: “ When I see Jeff (Gordon) go by me I know that he is driving the same stuff “
Oct 10, 2007
CIA Stock Photos
Jimmie Johnson At LMS Defines Success/ Sponsor Synergy
Jimmie Johnson has built a remarkable record of success at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, a record that is obviously pleasing to his sponsor – Lowe’s.
In 12 starts, Johnson has five victories at LMS, 11 top 10s, eight top fives and a series-best average finish of 6.2. Johnson got the first of his five wins in the 2003 Coca-Cola 600; he then swept four consecutive series races at LMS in 2004 and 2005. And don’t forget the fact that in 2003 and 2006 he won the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge there.
“Leading into [an LMS race] we’re typically excited about it and I am this year, ” Johnson said. “I think it’s a good opportunity for us to possibility get a win and score some more points in the Chase. “
An intriguing battle has developed between Johnson and his teammate Jeff Gordon. Adding to the intrigue: Gordon is a part-owner of Johnson’s team. There are all sorts of dynamics swirling around the battle at the top of the Chase points.
“We put a lot of pressure, in a good way, on both of our teams in the friendly rivalry we have between the shops, ” Johnson said. “I don’t see that changing. When I see Jeff go by me I know that he is driving the same stuff. If he is driving by me then I think I had better get up on the wheel and do something better. I think I do the same thing to him.
“There are still a lot of races left. But, as things unfold it could be a situation where we are racing one another. In some ways that is what we would hope for and in other ways it’s going to be difficult. If it does come down to the two of us, it would be a good and bad problem all at the same time. ”
