Published: August 20, 2008 11:33 pm         

Johnson makes pro truck debut

BRISTOL, Tenn. — In the past, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson has enjoyed little success at Bristol Motor Speedway and admits that the track just doesn't suit his driving style.

Although he has two Top-5 and six Top-10 finishes in 13 starts, he has led only 43 laps out of more than 6,300 completed and an average start/finish position of 16/16.

So will he prepare for Saturday's Sharpie 500 by running in the Food City 250 on Friday night thus getting more valuable seat time?

No. He did that last night — in a truck.

For the first time in his racing career, Johnson competed in a Craftsman Truck Series race. He piloted the No. 81 Kobalt Tools Chevrolet for Randy Moss Motorsports. After practice on Wednesday afternoon, he offered a couple of reasons for doing so, not the least of which was an opportunity to drive for Moss.

“(Randy and I) don't have much in common, but there's been a relationship between Hendrick Motorsports and this race team through the years. We've gotten more media out of it,” said Johnson, who doubted that Moss would be able to attend the O'Reilly 200 due to his team obligations with the New England Patriots. “(Driving in the truck race) can't hurt. We're here because we wanted to get the rhythm of the track sooner.

“It's a taxing track both mentally and physically, but when you're right, it's one of the best tracks to race at and you have more fun than anywhere else.”

When the car isn't right, however, bad things can and usually do happen. Johnson won't blame his Cup car failures at Bristol on his racing equipment.

“I've been here before with the exact same setup as Jeff (Gordon) and he's on the pole and winning the race and I'm qualifying 20-something and finishing 15th. Certain tracks fit certain drivers, crew chiefs, and setups,” Johnson said. “This place has been one of the toughest for me to figure out. At times, I think I'm flying around, but I'm in a 15th place car.

“(On the other hand), at Lowes Motor Speedway, regardless of what I do, I do well there. It's a good track for me and I run up front.”

As for racing in general, Johnson noted similarities between a Cup car and Craftsman truck, primarily in the way it handles through the center of the turn. However, an important difference was exposed when he got back on the gas.

“The lack of horsepower was the most surprising thing. When you go back to the gas pedal, there's not much there,” Johnson said. “I'm used to all the power that our Cup cars have.”

For two straight seasons beginning in 2007, Johnson has emerged as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. He became the first driver since teammate Jeff Gordon in 1997 and 1998 to win consecutive series titles.

Heading into Sunday's race, Johnson is third in the points standings behind Carl Edwards and leader Kyle Busch. In 23 starts this season, he boasts three poles and two wins. Although behind the pace that he set last year, Johnson is optimistic that he and his Lowe's team can close the gap.

“I'd like to be in Kyle's position where on a bad day, you're running second. In The Chase last year, we were in or near the Top 5 and it paid off,” said Johnson, who is a mere 80 points behind Edwards. “We have a lot of testing ahead of us and we're on to some things. We're doing all that we can to get in The Chase.”

Fortunately for Johnson, his performance in the O'Reilly 200 last night will not affect that quest. On lap 101, Johnson lost control of his truck and was consequently rear-ended by Tayler Malsam. The damage was irreparable and he didn't return.

“I lost it four times, but saved it only three,” said Johnson.

The race was red-flagged on lap 179 due to a multi-truck crash involving, among others, Ron Hornaday who was second in the series point's standings coming into Bristol.

The wreck brought out the ninth caution of the night.

     

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