CONCORD, N.C. -- Jimmie Johnson's first trip to Victory Lane this season was especially thrilling.
Starting 37th at Atlanta Motor Speedway, he had passed nearly 25 competitors by the time the same number of laps elapsed.
"Jimmie, I have to say that had to be the most fun 25 laps I've seen you race in years," crew chief Chad Knaus told him over the radio.
Since that exciting run to the front at Atlanta, Johnson has had the chance to attempt a similar feat multiple times, including jumping from 28th to second and 36th to third in Bristol and Richmond, respectively. His third win of the season came after starting 19th at Kansas.
Even with an average start of 16.1 through 12 races, Johnson has found Victory Lane three times and taken home seven top-five finishes and eight top-10s.
"To start deep in the field -- sure, it's fun passing," he said. "The unfortunate side of it, though, is you put yourself in harm's way."
So the driver of the No. 48 Lowe's ProServices Chevrolet SS said that he knows if he wants to keep up the success on Sundays, he'll need to keep searching for improvement on Fridays.
Hear more from the six-time Cup champion on the subject in the above video.