JOLIET, Ill. — Jimmie Johnson will race for his sixth consecutive Sprint Cup Championship when the Chase begins Sunday, but on Saturday he had another number on his mind: 36.
The California native turned 36 and celebrated by qualifying 12th for Sunday's race. How was he celebrating?
"5:30 is dinner. 6:15 is bath for (daughter) Genevieve and then at 7:00, she's down," Johnson said of his 1-year-old. "We can't make noise in the motor home."
The birthday festivities might be subdued in the Johnson home-away-from-home, but other drivers were quick to remind him that no one escapes the passage of time — even five-time champions.
"This is a special day for Jimmie," said Carl Edwards with a wry smile. "When I was a kid I heard stories about him racing from my grandparents."
Added Ryan Newman: "I liked watching Jimmie back in the Roman chariot days. He's really good with one horse."
"He's never going to catch me — in age," joked Matt Kenseth. "He's never lost a championship in his 30s."
The birthday roast continued a big week for Johnson off the track. During a pep rally at a Texas high school near Fort Worth, he was asked to prom by a student.
"I told her I'd have to check my schedule and check with my wife," Johnson said.