Jimmie Johnson and the rest of NASCAR are all set to celebrate its All-Star weekend in Charlotte, NC. No votes were needed for Jimmie Johnson to participate in this year's All-Star race, where fans should expect to see the usual no holds barred, all-or-nothing mentality with $1 million at stake. If there is one thing that is certain this weekend, it's that NASCAR's drivers will put on an exciting show for fans. Below are some of Jimmie's thoughts heading in to the weekend, some race facts, and broadcast information.

You normally run a patriotic paint scheme. What is the background of that, and what does it mean to you?

“I really have to give Lowe’s the credit for it. Of course I would want to, but it’s really their paint job that goes on the car. They have the final say. They have done some amazing paint jobs over the years, really saying ‘Thanks.’ I am just fortunate to have a cool sponsor that wants to say thank you to all the men and women who have served.”

What would it mean if your pit crew won the pit crew competition? Are you going to drive the car?

“I weigh too much (laughs). They put the lightest person at the shop in the car, but I will be there to root them on. It means a lot to them. They train for it. Granted, it is a different format than what happens on race day. If there is a chance to win something, everyone in the sport wants to be part of it. Our guys want to win that competition.”

Do you enjoy the fact there is essentially no pressure in the All-Star Race?

“It is a different type of pressure. There is no doubt the Shootout and the All-Star Race are more relaxed. Sure we want to win. It’s just who and what we all are. Without having the points and the structure of a normal weekend, it does make it a lot more fun.”

What do you remember about the All-Star Race you won in 2006?

“With Hendrick Motorsports being down the street, that race carries a ton of weight. It is just great for the company. Rick (Hendrick) has a spot in his heart for that race. He likes to come around and poke us all to get us fired up for that event. I think of it more in that way.”

Is the All-Star Race a test for the Coca-Cola 600?

“Yes, for sure. Not only for the 600, but we’ve been there some years where we needed to improve our mile-and-a-half stuff and just came with just a totally different concept. It is a great testing weekend with practice and qualifying and all of that stuff. It’s a good time to try stuff, and all teams do.”

Race Facts

• Two wins in 10 starts (2003 and 2006) and one pole (2009).
• Six top-five finishes (60 percent) and six top-10s (60 percent).
• Average finish of 7.2.
• Sprint Cup’s second-best average running position (5.9).
• 894 of 930 laps completed (96.1 percent) and 193 laps led.
• Sprint Cup’s second-best driver rating (108.9 average out of a possible 150 points).
• Sprint Cup’s best with 126 fastest laps run.
• Sprint Cup’s best with 628 laps in the top-15 (95.2 percent).
• Sprint Cup’s second-best with 218 green-flag passes.

Broadcast Info

• Showdown Practice: Friday, Noon ET (SPEED)
• All-Star Practice: Friday, 1:30 PM ET (SPEED)
• Showdown Qualifying: Friday, 5:00 PM ET (SPEED)
• All-Star Qualifying: Friday, 6:00 PM ET (SPEED)
• Showdown: Saturday, 7:00 PM ET (SPEED)
• All-Star Race: Saturday, 9:00 PM ET (SPEED)