CONCORD, N.C. – This weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, Jimmie Johnson continues his quest for an eighth NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Johnson currently sits fifth in the playoff points standings, just three points below the cut line.
Following next weekend's race at Phoenix, only the top four competitors will remain in the playoffs and Johnson aims to be one of them.
“Fortunately, I’m in a situation where I have two options left – we are only a few points out, and then obviously winning can advance,” Johnson said. “Happy to still have two options. We scored some decent points last weekend, although we didn’t get the final result that we needed and wanted, but scored some stage points and we will maximize any and every opportunity we can this weekend to either win or get max points.”
Johnson is no stranger to success at Texas Motor Speedway. He has seven victories at the track, including one in the July race this year -- his sixth win in the past 10 trips to Texas.
As the pressure increases for the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS team, Johnson is not dwelling on the bar that has been set for him and his team.
“There are expectations put on us and I will accept them, that is fine – I have high expectations for myself, but the sport isn’t easy,” Johnson said. “When I reflect back on what the No. 48 has been able to accomplish, just how special that is, it is not easy to do. “
Johnson and his team are prepared to put every effort into continuing their drive to a title.
“We are not done,” he reiterated. “No one on this team is. We are ready to get back on top and whatever work that needs to go into it, we are ready.”