(Courtesy GMR)

Team 48 Darlington Raceway Preview


Jimmie Johnson and Team Lowe's Racing have formed an impressive record at Darlington Raceway, often called the Track Too Tough to Tame.

In nine starts at the 1.366-mile oval, Johnson has scored two victories (March 2004, Nov. 2004), five top five and eight top-10 finishes. He has also completed 99.9% of total competition laps (3082 out of 3084).

In addition, the 1401 points that Johnson has accumulated over the last nine Darlington races is more than any other driver. Second is Ryan Newman with 1271.


JIMMIE JOHNSON QUOTES:

YOU HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE RESUME AT DARLINGTON. TALK ABOUT THE TRACK AND THIS WEEKEND'S RACE: "It's a great track. I'm eager to get on the track to see the repave job and what that's going to be like. I have to admit I'm going to miss the old track - it was just such a challenge. And over time I'm sure it will evolve back to what it was. It's nice that the shape is still the same.

"I'm really looking forward to Thursday's test sessions that they have now just to get familiar with the track. Jeff went there and tested so I feel like we're going there smarter as a company than maybe some of the other guys. So I'm looking forward to it."

WITH MOTHER'S DAY SUNDAY, TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR MOM AND THE INFLUENCE SHE'S HAD: "My mom's been a big part of my racing career especially when I was a kid. She's been to so many races over the years that she doesn't come that often anymore. Had enough days in the traffic and stands and all that stuff. My mom's been the glue in our family holding everything together and has really taught my brothers and myself how to be compassionate and caring people. She's a special lady and I certainly appreciate everything she's done.

"I'm excited about this mother's day. My wife's mother is going to be in town and my mom will take them to brunch and have some fun so I'm excited for that."


RACE NOTES:

Chassis

* Team Lowe's Racing will use chassis No. 433 as its primary in Saturday's Darlington Raceway event. In its four starts, Johnson has driven the chassis to two top-15 finishes. Chassis No. 465 will be used as a backup.

Darlington

* In nine Cup Series starts at Darlington, Johnson has completed 99.9% of competition laps (3082 of 3084). He has two victories at the 1.366-mile oval, along with five top five and eight top 10s. His average starting spot is 9.7 and average finish is 6.8.

Career

* Johnson has won at least three Cup races a season since he posted his first victory in 2002. He is the only driver in the modern era to win at least three races in each of his first six full-time seasons.
* Johnson's most recent victory at Phoenix (April 12, 2008) was the 34th of his Sprint Cup career. The win moves Johnson past legendary "Fireball" Roberts for 18th on NASCAR's all-time wins list. Johnson has the fourth-highest win total among active drivers, behind Jeff Gordon (81), Bill Elliott (44) and Mark Martin (35).
* Johnson has won Sprint Cup Series races at all but seven (Bristol, Michigan, Infineon, Chicago, Watkins Glen, Kansas, Homestead) of the 22 tracks where the series competes.
* Johnson's 10 wins in 2007 is the highest number recorded in a single season since Jeff Gordon posted 13 victories in 1998.
* The four-consecutive wins scored by the No. 48 team in the 2007 Chase for the Championship ties a modern-era NASCAR record.

History

* In 229 Sprint Cup Series starts, Johnson has posted 90 top five and 138 top-10 finishes. He has a top-five finish at every track on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series circuit. Johnson has led 5,896 laps and driven 66,152 laps in his Sprint Cup career, covering over 88,030 miles. He has finished on the lead lap 174 times.


Primary Car History - Chassis No. 433