Johnson's brother aims for NASCAR stardom

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) -- Jarit Johnson has something going for him that few of the other 8,000 drivers in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series have: a pipeline to Nextel Cup for advice.

	Jimmie Johnson

The 25-year-old racer is the younger brother of Nextel Cup star Jimmie Johnson, who has taken a strong interest in Jarit's driving career.

While Jimmie's career began in off-road trucks, the younger Johnson has started in the entry level Limited Late Model Stocks at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

"Right now, we're just going out there to get some experience and learn," Jarit said. "I'm just going to go out there, try to finish in the top five in points and, hopefully, win some races."

He said Jimmie, in his third full season in Nextel Cup at the age of 28, is a great resource, despite the differences in levels of competition.

"When his Happy Hour practice is over, he'll call from the track and I'll let him know how things are going," Jarit said. "I'll throw some things out to him and he'll suggest some stuff -- try to brake a little earlier or change my entry points, things like that. He'll give me some things to try and, most of the time, it really helps out."

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Jarit previously competed in a Spec Truck division at his hometown track, Cajon Speedway in El Cajon, Calif., before moving to North Carolina.

When he's not racing, Jarit works at Michael Waltrip Racing, helping maintain Waltrip's No. 99 Busch Series car, as well as fabricating custom racing seats with another company.

But racing is what he wants to do.

"I'd love to move up through the ranks," Jarit said. "Maybe, hopefully, get into a NASCAR Craftsman Truck, or maybe a Busch Series car and, eventually, be in the Nextel Cup Series. But it's a long road."

He's off to a good start, winning for the first time April 17 and ranked in the top 10 in his division.

"I'm having a blast," he said. "You have to have fun when you're racing."