New Hampshire the start of something big ... twice

Perhaps no one track on the Nextel Cup circuit looms larger than New Hampshire International Speedway. It's the only one that hosts a race in the 10-race section leading up to the Chase, commonly referred to as the Race to the Chase; and it's the only one that hosts one of the 10 playoff races, officially known as the Chase for the Nextel Cup.

What's more, it's the lead in to both.

"We always put a lot of time and effort into the race at New Hampshire," said Jimmie Johnson, who in 2003 became the first driver to sweep the season there. "This race is really important because it gets you ready for the second one, which is the first race of the Chase. So running well this weekend and when we come back is pretty important."

Much of the focus will be on Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate, points leader Jeff Gordon. (NASCAR Today)

For when the green flag waves to start the Lenox Industrial Tools 300 (2:30 p.m. ET Sunday; NASCAR on TNT pre-race at 1 p.m. ET), both drivers will have different men atop their respective pit boxes. No. 48 car chief Ron Malec will fill in for Chad Knaus, suspended for the next six races.

"Ron is the only car chief I've ever had on the No. 48 team," Knaus said. "He knows the guys better than anyone and they all have a ton of respect for him and what he's accomplished. Ron has been our backbone from the beginning and he'll do a terrific job."

The beginning was 199 races ago. Johnson will make his 200th career start at NHIS.

"A lot of people have played a role in my career and I'll never be able to repay their kindness. I'm looking forward to the next 200 races," said Johnson, who won twice last season while Knaus served a four-race suspension to begin the year. "I'm very proud of our success."

The No. 24's car chief, Jeff Meendering, has been a mainstay during the longstanding success at Hendrick Motorsports. He's been a member of 10 championship teams and this week his journey from floor sweeper to (interim) crew chief culminates at NHIS as Steve Letarte's replacement.

"Jeff is my go-to guy. We have similar backgrounds and we've both been here [with Hendrick Motorsports] a long time," Letarte said. "He'll do a great job leading the team and keeping things moving in a positive direction." (Continued)