Conversation: Johnson (cont'd)

Last year we did a really good job and we're really hitting our stride right now. Hopefully for the next five or six years, we can just stay in this rhythm and in this pace and get another championship or two.

Q: Did you feel a bit like Peyton Manning, in that you were the best driver in the regular season only to not make it all the way in the playoffs -- and then last season you won it all?

Johnson: I didn't until the media started asking questions. That stuff sticks in your mind and you start thinking about it. The year, in '04, when we lost by eight points -- that really felt deep down inside like it was our year to be champions.

We didn't have it in '05. The No. 20 [Tony Stewart] was outperforming us. And then last year, we really felt it again. So there have only been two years out of five that I really felt it in my heart that it was our year to be a champion.

Q: What's your road-course plan, since you've talked about trying to improve on road courses?

Johnson: I spent a lot of time testing in the 24 Hours [of Daytona] and we're going to try to run some other [Grand-Am Rolex Series] road-course races this year.

And then our testing program for the road-course racing is being stepped up. So it's something I'm really focused on.

Q: Do you have a tutor or a driver who is helping you?

Johnson: Yes, the lead driver in those cars has been very helpful. Max Papis has been very helpful. He has worked with me in our Cup cars. Marc Goossens was helping me a lot at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Andy Pilgrim, a GM Cadillac driver was very helpful to me. So it's nice to see these top-name guys so willing to help me out and give me advice.

Q: With all that's been going on with Jeff Gordon, and him about to become a father this season, would you be shocked if in five years or so he decided to give up racing and move on with his life?

Johnson: A five-year window? I wouldn't be surprised. This is the start of his 16th year [in Cup racing]. So in 20 years, I think 20 years of doing anything you're probably looking for a change. So I wouldn't be shocked with that.

Q: Has Jeff talked to you about that?

Johnson: No. The side I see of him is very focused on the coming year. I think he's got at least two or three more years on the contracts he has in place right now.

Everything I hear is trying to win a fifth championship. So I haven't seen any side of when he may be thinking about hanging up the helmet.

Q: Jeff hasn't been in the thick of the title race for the past few years, so what sort of contender do you think he'll be this year?

Johnson: I really think he's a force to win a fifth championship and I know that's his focus and that's all he and the team talk about. They brought Stevie [Letarte, crew chief] in at the end of '05, to try and get prepared for '06.

They made great gains last year. But I really see that team, with another year together -- the chemistry with Jeff and Stevie is even better so I think Jeff will be a threat.

Q: Do you have a model for the mental toughness you've shown over the last few seasons, and where does that come from?

Johnson: I don't think I've had any training. I'll go to Rick [Hendrick] and I'll go to Jeff [Gordon] for advice. But I think everybody approaches things in different ways and with their own style.

I try to learn from my mistakes and grow in those areas. So it's kind of more of a self-taught way of how to deal with things. (Continued)