Johnson’s image changes
BROOKLYN, Mich. – If you haven’t noticed, Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR’s boy next door, is driving harder and driving his car wider this year.
His tactics have drawn criticism. Some competitors have accused the usually mild-mannered Johnson of spinning out other drivers.
Johnson, who leads the NASCAR Nextel Cup series, has always been considered one of the garage’s nice guys. But nice guys don’t always finish first, and Johnson has been runner-up for the series title the past two seasons.
Johnson denies that he’s a dirty racer, but thinks drivers have become far more aggressive on the track this year.
“Yeah, its hard to argue with the numbers,” said Johnson, 29. “The competition is closer than it has ever been with the new rules. On top of that, the shorter spoiler makes the cars harder to drive.”
The new rules include changes in aerodynamics and tires, and they have made passing something of a gamble, Johnson said.
He’ll drive his No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports on Sunday in the Batman Begins 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Qualifying starts at noon today.
“The gear, you really have to commit hard, hard, hard, back to the gas just to get any momentum on the guy in front of you,” Johnson said. “I hear a lot of comments from people saying, ‘It’s not the car’s fault because we’re driving them,’ and I agree with that.
“But in order to make a pass now and get alongside someone, you just have to drive over your head to get the job done. Everyone out there is very talented and has great equipment, and you have to drive above the ability of the car to pass people, which is promoting crashes.”
Johnson said he hasn’t been affected by criticism that he has caused wrecks this year “because it’s not true. I’m not a rough racer. I’m not a disrespected driver in the garage area. There was some bad energy floating around for whatever reason for a short period of time, and it’s not the case.”
Johnson admits drivers have long memories, particularly if a competitor runs into them.
“It’s kind of like if you’re in the NFL, and somebody takes a late hit on you when the play is over,” Johnson said. “That sticks in your mind and you remember those things.
“When your life is on the line out there in these race cars – sliding around and you know how hard the wall is and the consequences of crashing when someone takes you out – it’s hard not to forget it.”
Johnson won eight races last year and finished fourth in the June race at MIS. With its wide-open spaces, the track is usually fast and free of accidents.
“Michigan is a pretty neat race track,” Johnson said. “I like it. It’s a cool multigroove track. I feel that if the car isn’t exactly right, if you’ve got a good driver and a driver who’s willing to venture away from the norm a little bit, he can figure out a way to work so he can run some good lap times. I’m looking forward to it.”
Johnson had the third-fastest time in practice Friday at 191.729 mph. Dodge drivers Ryan Newman and Jeremy Mayfield were 1-2, Newman at 192.164, Mayfield at 192.097.
“Practice was good,” Johnson said. “The car is running good. The engines are really strong. I think the Lowe’s Monte Carlo is going to be in good shape.”
After the first practice of the day, Johnson said: “It’s driving almost too comfortable. So we’re going to make it a little edgier and see if we can get some more speed out of it.”
The Hendrick team did, and Johnson improved his speed by more than 3 mph in the final session.
Johnson won four of the final six races last season , finishing eight points behind Cup champion Kurt Busch. He started 2005 strongly, winning the Bud Shootout at Daytona and the Cup race in Las Vegas, and finishing second at the California and Atlanta speedways. He placed third at Texas in April.