Johnson brings new outlook to familiar racetrack this week at Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team are heading to Kansas Speedway with a brand-new car and brand-new expectations for the first spring race at the 1.5-mile track.

“So much has changed with us,” said Johnson, who will drive Hendrick Motorsports Chassis No. 48-669 on Sunday. “We’re going back with an empty notebook -- new cars, new concepts. I’m excited. I think the track is a great racetrack to compete on.”

Johnson’s average starting spot at the track is 7.3, while his average finish is 9.3. The No. 48 driver scored Hendrick Motorsports most recent victory at Kansas Speedway in 2008 when he started from the pole position and led 124 laps to capture the checkered flag.

“That was a great win,” said Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowe's/KOBALT Tools Chevrolet. “The track, in my opinion, has aged really well, and I guess there is some concern that it may have aged too much in a short period of time but the bumps, the asphalt fading and losing grip as it has really promotes multiple lanes of racing, and that’s what we’re looking for as drivers. When I think of Kansas, I’m excited about my win and I want to win again, but I think it’s becoming more of a racer’s racetrack.”

The defending five-time Sprint Cup champion has made nine Cup at starts at the speedway, where he has only finished outside of the top-10 twice. Overall, Johnson has one win, three top-five finishes, seven top-10s and three pole positions during those starts at the 400-mile event. 

Watch Jimmie Johnson and his Hendrick Motorsports teammates compete Sunday in the inaugural event at Kansas Speedway on FOX at 1 p.m. ET.