Jimmie Johnson "BBQ"

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 1, 2013) – Kansas City is a barbecue town. Locals will steer folks to Gates, or Arthur Bryant’s on their first visit, and then on to one of the smaller establishments, like L.C.’s, Woodyard, or Oklahoma Joe’s. But barbecue (aka “BBQ”) for Jimmie Johnson this weekend may stand for something else – “Better Be Quick.”

The five-time champion certainly had that covered last weekend at Dover (Del.) International Speedway as he dominated at the Monster Mile to record his fifth win of the season, his first in this year’s Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and his 23rd win in the Chase’s 10-year history. The win, coupled with two top-five finishes in the first two events of NASCAR’s playoffs this year – fifth at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill., and fourth at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon – has moved him into second in the point standings, just eight behind leader Matt Kenseth.

Johnson is hoping to continue that streak at the 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, just west of the Missouri-Kansas state line. It just so happens to be one of Johnson’s best tracks. In 14 races there, he has finished outside the top-10 only twice – 14th in 2006 and 32nd in 2004 after he was collected in an accident. He has won twice and has finished in the top-three six times.

While the stats look good, that doesn’t always guarantee a good finish. But Johnson and the No. 48 Lowe’s team know a visit to victory lane would certainly help their chances at a sixth championship, or “Six Pack” as they’ve titled their quest, but they know this week they “Better Be Quick.”

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