Busy week propels Johnson into California races

FONTANA, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2008) -- When most people return home, it’s generally to rest and relax. But that’s not the case for Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet. Downtime will be spare for the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion while in Fontana this week. Johnson, who grew up in nearby El Cajon, will be competing in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races, as well as participating in several charitable events. Johnson kicked off the week by hosting a golf tournament with his group -- the Jimmie Johnson Foundation -- on Wednesday that benefited the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. Johnson’s primary sponsor, Lowe’s, was the title sponsor of the event. This was the second year Johnson held the golf tournament. Johnson's charitable mindset will continue onto the racetrack, where with the help of sponsor Lowe's, Johnson will be drawing attention to his foundation. Johnson is running a special paint scheme during the Nationwide and Sprint Cup events. His typically blue Chevrolet will bear the Jimmie Johnson Foundation logo in a mostly white paint scheme. During Sunday’s Sprint Cup event, Johnson also will be sporting the Helmet of Hope. The helmet is covered with 12 logos from different charities. The charities picked to decorate Johnson’s helmet were nominated by both fans and members of the media. Last Tuesday, the Helmet of Hope was auctioned off on eBay. The proceeds from the auction also will go to the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. Four homes are currently being built on the newly created and named Foundation Lane. Jimmie Johnson and his wife, Chandra, expect to add some finishing touches to the first home and then pass the keys to the new owner, an El Cajon resident, this week. For more information on the Jimmie Johnson Foundation, please visit www.jimmiejohnsonfoundation.org.