Jimmie Johnson and Team Lowe's Racing are on a roll lately, winning at Darlington, the Pit Crew Challenge, and in Charlotte at the All Star race a week ago, and if things go their way, they're only getting started. This weekend, they take on one of the most grueling races in NASCAR at the 600, a race which Johnson wasn't able to finish in 2011 due to a blown engine. This year, however, momentum is building and 48 fans seem to have a feeling that more wins are on the way. Read on to find out what Jimmie thinks of this weekend's race... 

What does it mean to win a race like the 600? What does it take in terms of endurance?

“It is a very long race on a tough track.  It’s not only from the driver’s perspective, but the teams go through a lot to get prepared for that race.  Staying alert and focused, properly hydrated all the things that the driver has to go through so do the guys that go over the wall.  They change a lot of tires during that race.  It’s a very tough event on everyone but I think everybody enjoys it.  I know my guys do.  I know I do.  I love that challenge.  I love it especially when you are going to victory lane.  I hope to do that again.”

What does winning a race like that mean to you?

“Just that weekend with all the racing that takes place world-wide that weekend.  It’s Memorial Day, there is a very special part in me because both of my Grandfathers’ served.  That means something.  We are in all of our backyards.  Hendrick Motorsports is literally a mile-and-a-half, two miles away.  I start stacking up a lot of cool reasons to win that race and I hope to do it.”

Did you bring the same car back that you raced in the All-Star Race?

“No. Not with the way things are today. The cars go to the tech center and they don’t get back in time to turn them around in a couple of days. I think we have an equally good car for the 600. I said it the other night, but track position at the end of the 600 is going to be key, I think. You are going to have start thinking about strategy and a couple of pit stops or so from the end, making the right calls is going to be important- whether you take fuel, tires or no tires. It’s going to get interesting. We learned a lot the other night thought that I think we will be able to apply this weekend.”