Jimmie Johnson's Daytona Diary: Saturday

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Jimmie Johnson is one day away from the Daytona 500, and is optimistic after improving the Lowe's Chevrolet in morning practice and Happy Hour. After several meet-and-greets with fans and sponsors, most of the day was spent relaxing to conserve energy for the biggest day of the year.

Saturday, February 15

7 a.m. -- Woke up

7:30 a.m. -- Showered and got ready for the track

8 a.m. -- Left for the track

8:30 a.m. -- Arrived at the track

9 a.m. -- Got ready for our first practice session

9:30 - 10:15 a.m. -- Winston Cup practice

"We wanted to use the first session to work some kinks out of the Lowe's Chevy and we really improved the handling."

10:20 a.m. -- Discussed practice with the team

"I spoke with Chad (Knaus), Jeff (Gordon), Brian (Whitesell - team manager) and Ken Howes (director of competition) about practice and how to improve the Lowe's Chevy. Brian Vickers and Casey Mears stopped over and we chatted about things. Brian is a new addition to the Hendrick family and will drive the No. 5 GMAC Chevy in the Busch Series."

11:10 - 11:55 a.m. -- Winston Cup Happy Hour practice

"We worked on fuel mileage and corrected the handling. The Lowe's Chevy is in great shape for tomorrow's Daytona 500. We're starting 10th and Jeff 11th, so we should make a push to get up front."

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12 - 12:15 p.m. -- Reviewed FOX footage

"Chad and I reviewed the FOX in-car camera footage from Happy Hour to try and see if we can pick up anything that can help us in the race."

12:15 - 12:25 p.m. -- Met with Barbara Rhodes, one of my biggest fans, and her family outside of the Lowe's hauler.

"Barbara was really nice and it was great meeting her family and getting an opportunity to chat with her."

12:30 - 1 p.m. -- Had a meet and greet with representatives from Hendrick Automotive and another family with Jeff Gordon and Terry Labonte.

1-9 p.m. -- Relaxed

"I just relaxed with my girlfriend and tried to take it easy because I'm going to need all the energy I can get for the 500. We also just snacked and watched some movies and really, just chilled out. I also caught up with family and friends that came into town for the race, so that was cool."

10:30 p.m. -- Arrived back at the condo

11 p.m. -- Bedtime