NASCAR Nextel Cup Teleconference Moments

Jimmie Johnson, Driver No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet

2007 Early Season

"I think I just always look forward."

Jimmie Johnson and Team 48 started the season well behind last year's Daytona 500 win, but that may not affect the business-as-usual mindset that garnered the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup championship. If a secret to championships exists for the long Nextel Cup season the first mystery ingredient is consistency. Johnson spoke freely about success, past and future in a recent teleconference.

Debbie Speicher asked Jimmie Johnson:

What's the best advice you've had so far about repeating your success?

"I'm not sure I've had any. But it really boils down to doing the things we know how to do and not changing our systems around too much. We'll look at '07 the same way we did in '06 and hopefully improve on it.

"I think I just always look forward. I really don't look back on what we've accomplished. I guess through my whole career I've always been in a position to prove myself and earn my keep and fight for my job and it's great motivation to keep that. So I really don't pay attention to the things I've accomplished. I'm always looking forward about what I want to do next."

Would you compare competing in NASCAR to getting to NASCAR?

"Well, you're always fighting to keep your job. You're trying to get in and get the job and get a chance, and then you really don't start breathing easy or feeling comfortable once you're there an established. Its aways about success and there are new guys coming along all the time who are doing an awesome job. You've got to keep the pressure on and keep success up front on your mind."