Jimmie Johnson led the standings for eight weeks in 2004. Credit: Sherryl Creekmore/NASCAR

Johnson: Title will ease 2004 disappointment

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Jimmie Johnson can hardly wait to put last year behind him.

Johnson lost the 2004 Nextel Cup title by just eight points in the closest championship race in the history of NASCAR's top series.

And on Oct. 24, one of team owner Rick Hendrick's airplanes crashed, killing ten people, including Hendrick's son, brother and two nieces.

Jimmie Johnson Credit: Sherryl Creekmore/NASCAR

"As far as '05, we finished up strong last year and had to overcome one of the biggest challenges with the airplane going down," Johnson said. "Professionally, personally and the range of emotions that go along with that ... we've had a winter to heal some more.

"Everybody has a spring in their step. We're looking forward to a great season."

Johnson tested this week at Daytona International Speedway, along with the other teams that finished in even-numbered positions in 2004 Nextel Cup points.

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Johnson, who won a series-high eight races in 2004, has been in Cup racing only three years and has finished in the top five in points each time, including the runner-up spot each of the past two seasons.

"To be second two years in a row, we really, really want a championship," Johnson said. "From growing up around the sport, watching it, and working in it, it's not something you sign up for and get.

"Last year was a very special year for us to win eight, overcome the tragedy of the airplane, and win four in the final 10. That's going to be tough to beat. A championship will beat that."