Momentum and leading the points would be the same thing, ... Last year, we were near the top and lost the momentum. We didn't lead the points going into (the playoff), and the reason was that we weren't where we needed to be. We were doing everything we could, but we really hit our stride four or five races in. |
Momentum is an important thing. We are happy to be winning in the Chase. Last year we won four, this year so far we have won two already. It is coming at a good time. We had a couple of slow months before the Chase started. We definitely have things going in the right direction. |
My car has been driving great all day long, I drove a smooth hard lap and everything worked out. |
Not at all. This is the opposite of that. If you think about what we overcame, and the pressure that's on any team in any sport if they're faced with something like this, this is a huge, huge statement. |
Obviously, it was very damaging. But this team is 100 percent capable of winning. This is their chance to shine. Our pride is on the line. |
Of course Jeff and I wanted to see the lions feed and the girls were scared to death that would happen. |
Oh, no, oh, no. I feel very good, and I'm very happy with the race team. We've all been doing our jobs and having fun in the process, but it's a long season. We're only three races into it. I know our cars can be better. They can be faster, they can drive a little better. |
One (DNF), I spun out here and crashed, ... I was frustrated. I got too aggressive and crashed. That was worth at least 100 points. All I needed was to be safe. |
Our (Hendrick) engineers and crew chiefs all get together and compare notes. That's when you really see the benefit of a four-car team. |
Quite an experience (this past week of media frenzy). It was the highlight of my career and hopefully I can experience it again some day. |
Race practice was really good, ... We weren't overly excited about our qualifying runs. So, we made some good adjustments and we will be fine. |
Talladega is a huge risk, ... I think everybody is real nervous about Talladega, and hopefully everybody drives that way and we don't have any big pile-ups. |
Talladega is a huge risk. I think everybody is real nervous about Talladega, and hopefully everybody drives that way and we don't have any big pile-ups. |
Talladega is a wild-card event. We're just going to go out and try to stay out of trouble. There's really nothing else you can do. |
Test sessions are everything, |