Johnson trying to regain edge at Charlotte track (cont'd)

How dominant has Johnson been at Charlotte? He finished 39th here in his first Nextel Cup start in 2001, the year before he moved into NASCAR's top series full-time. He hasn't finished worse than seventh in a points event since, and is in the midst of an eight-race streak of placing third or better. This weekend's results have been inconclusive, ranging from fourth-quickest in Thursday's opening practice to 31st in Saturday's first session. Then there was his qualifying effort, which saddled Johnson with his worst starting spot at Charlotte in four years.

That was in the 2003 Coca-Cola 600, where he started 37th. Of course, he also won, recording a victory that kicked off his string of success at the facility.

"I think 600 miles, he's got plenty of time to come from whatever starting position he's at in the middle of the pack," said Elliott Sadler, who will start third. "They're still going to be the team to beat, I think. Chad and Jimmie have this place figured out very well. Chad and Jimmie are always real good on adjustments. It seems like every time they pit, they make the car better for this race as it gets into the nighttime.

"I don't think you can define them not still being the guardian of the gate by just one lap of qualifying. They're still going to be the team to beat, and that's who we're all shooting for. We'll see what happens. This is his house, I think I read somewhere."

At least that's how the No. 48 team refers to Lowe's Motor Speedway, which is right down the street from its Hendrick Motorsports shop and shares the same home improvement store as sponsor. Johnson believes he used the nickname over the team radio, and it stuck. Johnson has been comfortable driving at Charlotte since his first start, and the variety of factors that go into setting up a car here -- especially for a day-to-night event like the 600 -- fit well with an imaginative crew chief like Knaus.

Johnson, driving the same car that finished second in both Charlotte races last season and won at Las Vegas earlier this year, arrived at Lowe's Motor Speedway as confident as ever. But he was only 34th fastest in Saturday's final practice for the Coca-Cola 600, his best lap of 175.798 mph well off the top speed of 179.742 turned in by Carl Edwards. It may be Johnson's house, but other drivers seem to have wedged a foot in the door.

"I don't think they have a strong grip on it by any means," said pole winner Ryan Newman. "I think there are a lot of teams with their fingertips on it. It's just a matter of pulling it away on Sunday."