Jimmie Johnson's Daytona Diary: Preview

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- In less than a year, Jimmie Johnson has risen from obscure rookie to bona fide megastar, from virtual anonymity to industry poster boy.

What a difference a year makes.

Speedweeks 2002 included a single focus for Johnson: qualify for the Daytona 500 or go home. One car. One race. One goal. No provisionals.

	Jimmie Johnson Credit: Autostock

Year two offers a striking contrast. Three cars. Three races. A much higher goal. Provisionals galore.

"Man, I guess it is a little different, huh?" said Johnson under a slight chuckle. "This year will probably be insane."

Starting today, at NASCAR media day, and continuing on throughout the Speedweeks marathon, NASCAR.com will document every aspect Johnson's frenzied schedule.

From sponsorship obligations to team meetings to bathroom breaks, we'll be there in an effort to provide readers with a true feel for what NASCAR's stars endure during the wildest 12-day stretch of the year.

"I'll tell you what, that media day is a great idea -- get it all out of the way right there," Johnson said. "There's so much outside of the car that goes on at Daytona, and you can get overwhelmed quick. I know what it's about this year, so I'll be in better shape."

Not that last year was so bad. Johnson shocked the world by nabbing the Bud Pole, making him just the second rookie in NASCAR history to lead the field to the green flag in the Great American Race.

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"It is very impressive looking back. Being a new team, and everything that goes into that to make that car go that fast," he said. "It was all car, too. It had nothing to do with me. That was awesome, but I was bummed. We qualified on the pole and never led a single lap. We'll have to change that this year."

Suddenly last February, everyone wanted a piece of him. Suddenly he had to speak for himself, his team and Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. He had to grow up quickly.

"Going into last year there was a lot of pressure," Johnson said. "Having no points, having to race your way into the 125s, all that stuff was just overwhelming.

"Then we got the pole and didn't have to worry about all that, but the pole added a whole new dimension that I wasn't ready for. All the hype surrounding it was crazy."

It gets no easier in 2003. Johnson's schedule is more saturated this year than last. Alongside his preparation duties for the 500, Johnson will also compete in the Budweiser Shootout and his first International Race of Champions event. Johnson was invited to race in IROC competition after Winston Cup champion Tony Stewart and teammate Jeff Gordon opted out of the series in 2003.

"This year with running IROC cars, the Shootout, the 125s, man, it's just so much," Johnson said. "Outside the car it doesn't slow down. There's huge obligations being a Winston Cup driver. I know that going into it, and it seems to me that if I know what I'm getting myself into, I'm fine.

"Last year, we were an unknown for the most part so it wasn't all that bad from the fan interaction standpoint. They didn't even know who I was."

Rest assured, the moment Johnson soared the 2002 pole everyone took notice. Following it up with one of the best rookie seasons in NASCAR history didn't hurt, either.

"We've already got a pole," he said. "We want a win."

Follow Jimmie Johnson each day at Daytona in the Drivers & Teams section on NASCAR.com!