| | | | | | RAIN MAN | Johnson took a liking to wet conditions in 24-hour race | |
| | By Bob Pockrass / SceneDaily.com DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Jimmie Johnson had a lot of fun racing in the rain.
But seeing has its advantages when driving a race car in the Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Johnson enjoyed the treacherous conditions the race offered when the rain fell, but when he was trying to make up some laps, he was happy it came during the day and the dry period in the 24-hour event at Daytona International Speedway.
"My comfort was a lot higher because I could see where I was going," Johnson said Sunday. "Last night with all the rain in the dark, it was just really tough to see the crisp braking points you need to get through the infield."
Johnson, who teamed with defending series champions Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney as well as Jimmy Vasser, had to settle for second - matching his best finish in the event. He was also second in 2005.
A gearbox problem cost the team about seven laps and a chance at the victory.
"This is the most competitive I've been through the whole [race]," Johnson said.
Like the rest of the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers in the race, Johnson was flying out Sunday night for the test at Vegas.
"I'm going to sleep on the plane out there, and sleep again [at the hotel]," Johnson said. "I'm sure I'll be sore, but I'll get enough sleep."
| | Posted January 28, 2008 , 5:59 pm EST
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