Auto Racing: This year, Johnson’s enjoying the ride

A year ago, the pressure was almost unbearable for Jimmie Johnson as he prepared for the fall race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga.

This time is different.

“I’m in a much better place and I’m actually enjoying this year and this championship battle,” said Johnson, who is second in the standings, 53 points behind Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon, heading into today’s Pep Boys Auto 500.

Johnson flirted with a championship in each of his first four seasons in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup series, never finishing worse than fifth and twice winding up second – once by just eight points.

Heading into this race last year – the sixth of 10 events in the Chase for the championship – Johnson was second again, trailing Matt Kenseth by 26 points and living with the distinct possibility of falling short once more.

He persevered, though, winning the title and removing the massive weight of unfulfilled expectations from his shoulders.

Johnson said the breakthrough has made him a more confident driver.

“I feel that you can try too hard, and I’ve tried too hard in the past to win races, to win poles and even to win championships,” he said. “And, this year, I feel a lot like after my first win, that coming back for the second win it’s a little bit more of a clear picture that you’re looking at instead of just red in the eyes and intense and trying to do whatever it takes to get it.”

Gordon said hecan see the difference in his friend.

“Jimmie is much more relaxed and focused,” Gordon said. “He understands now what it takes to win a championship, and he knows now that he and his team can get it done.”

Johnson agreed.

“I’ve been there (and) I feel like I know where to focus,” he said. “I know how to let some things roll off my back that would stress me out or worry me from track to track – as you lose points or gain points, the pressure that’s either positive or negative that comes with it.”

Busch Series

David Reutimann avoided trouble to win the caution-filled Sam’s Town 250 Busch Series race at Memphis Motorsports Park in Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday.

It was the 37-year-old Toyota driver’s first Busch Series victory in 63 starts, and owner Michael Waltrip’s first victory for the manufacturer.

Craftsman trucks

Kyle Busch made the most out of a lucky break, pulling away from Ron Hornaday Jr. to win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Busch was rolling along in third place with 26 laps to go in the 130-lap race when he was blackflagged by NASCAR for having the driver-side window net unhooked. Seconds before he would have had to pit, a crash brought out the caution flag and allowed the Nextel Cup star to make his stop under yellow and remain in contention.

Busch took full advantage, passing Hornaday on a restart with eight to go and pulling away to his fifth truck victory.