Johnson Likes Talladega Superspeedway Chances
After his Daytona win in Saturday’s Coke Zero 400, drivers better beware and do their homework for the return trip to Talladega if they plan to slow down the driver who is vastly becoming one of the best at drafting. Did he make a statement to the other drivers during the post-race press conference? You be the judge.
“Based on tonight’s performance, we’ll have a great race car going to Talladega," said Johnson of the 2.66-mile one-of-a-kind track, which will host the sixth race of the 10-event NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Chase for the Championship. “There’s only one plate race in the final 10. We’re buttoned up and in a position to win a sixth championship.
“I think this Gen 6 car and the style of drafting required to be successful in this car fits my style a lot more. I don’t know if it is something in the air in the draft that works better for me, or just being in the rhythm and racing so hard every lap that it makes a difference. We have had a chance to win every plate race this year, and we have two (both Daytona races) of the three, but at Talladega (in the May Aaron’s 499) going into the white flag lap I felt like we were in a great position and came home with a top-five (finish). (It’s) been a very, very strong year on plate tracks for us."
Indeed it has been a successful year for Johnson and his team on restrictor plate tracks. His past success at Talladega also includes a couple trips into Victory Lane (2006, 2011). The rest of the field, however, won’t roll over when the series comes back to ‘Dega.
“Yeah, I guess," said Tony Stewart, who finished second Saturday, after being asked whether he thought it was impressive that Johnson swept both Daytona races (and was successful at Talladega earlier in the year). “All 43 guys have a shot at winning the race. (It’s) a 195 mph chess match. I guess it’s impressive," added Stewart, who claimed the 2008 Camping World RV Sales 500 at Talladega’s 2.66-mile layout.