Johnson's dreaming of another California win

FONTANA, Calif. -- A year ago at this time, Jimmie Johnson might have been considered one of the most unlikely visitors to Winston Cup victory lane.

Growing up in California and cutting his teeth on the off-road stadium racing circuit, Johnson didn't have the typical stock-car racing resume. He seemed destined to follow in the footsteps of Ivan Stewart rather than Jeff Gordon.

	Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 Chevrolet finished first last year at Fontana. Credit: Autostock

"When I was in the stadium trucks as a young kid, that's where I wanted to be and that's where I wanted to end up," Johnson said. "I was amazed at 16 or 17 years of age that I was competing with my heroes and racing against Ivan Stewart and Walker Evans and was very happy where I was."

He certainly learned when to be aggressive -- and when to save his equipment, a trait that would come in handy when he switched to stock cars.

"When I got into the stadium trucks (now defunct Mickey Thompson Stadium Racing Series) I tore up plenty of equipment and drove Jon Nelson (team owner) crazy by destroying his race trucks," Johnson said. "I had some hard knocks along with way with Jon Nelson in particular being frustrated with some of his equipment that I tore up."

But like many people, Johnson's career path took a detour.

"Chevrolet was backing out right when I kind of topped-out in the off-road stuff and hit my peak there," he said. "They asked me if I wanted to go stock car racing and that's how I ended up taking that path."

VIDEO CLIPS Jimmie Johnson wins last year's race at Fontana. Play video    ALSO  •  Johnson's 2003 Stats  •  Johnson's Driver Page  •  Store: Jimmie's Gear

But Johnson knew the key to success would come in tapping his potential.

"I've always had opportunities and I've had to make the most of my opportunities throughout my career in racing," he said. "If I went out there and tore up somebody's equipment or made some dumb moves, I wasn't going to get the ride. But at the same time, I had to go out there and be fast and show that I have potential and can win races.

"So I've been able to adapt to a certain style there to push when I need to and race hard when I need to but at the same time, not take unnecessary risks. Last year I did a pretty good job of that."

How appropriate that his first Winston Cup win would come at California Speedway, just a few miles up the road from his hometown of El Cajon.

And it was all set up by a gutsy decision by Johnson's crew chief, Chad Knaus.

With the race under caution with 17 laps to go, Knaus called for a gas-only stop as the other leaders came in for fuel and tires. The resulting improvement in track position paid off, as Johnson motored around Bill Elliott three laps later and pulled away.

Now Johnson is back this weekend as defending winner of the Auto Club 500.

"The only experience I have coming back as defending champion was last year at Dover," Johnson said. "We were able to go back to Dover and win a second time. So I sure hope that things go that well for us in California."

Johnson said the biggest difference will be determining a new set-up for the two-mile oval, since the cars have all undergone body location changes.

"Our technology has changed so much in the set-ups in the race cars from when we were there last year that nothing will be the same this time," he said. "Things change so fast that we're kind of starting over from ground zero again. But I like that racetrack and Chad knows how to set the race car up for there. We're just going to have to find a balance with this new set-up and see what happens."

Returning to the scene of past success certainly acts as a confidence boost for Johnson.

"When you're out there running fast and passing good cars and racing for the lead each week on this style of track, you look forward to those on the schedule," he said. "California is one of those tracks and we took the last trophy home from there so we're really pumped about going back. Trophies are what we're after."