Johnson keeping busy

Between testing at California Speedway and getting ready Speedweeks to start in Daytona, Jimmie Johnson was hosting a celebrity golf tournament with Nick Lachey in Phoenix.
It made a busy month of testing even busier, but Johnson said he wouldn't have it any other way.
"We had a blast and raised some money for some great charities," said Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. "When you’re having fun and doing some good at the same time, it’s hard to question why you’re not sitting at home.”
The two-time Cup champion will be in the Bud Shootout, his sixth career start in the exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway. Johnson won four poles last year and won the Shootout in 2005.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the track in race conditions," Johnson said. "We’ve made a lot of laps in testing the past few weeks, but there’s no comparison to being out there in the battle. It’s going to be interesting to see how the cars handle in a big pack. I think it will be a good show for the fans."
The car his team is bringing for the Shootout has raced twice. It was in the first Car of Tomorrow race at Bristol Motor Speedway. It finished 16th in that race. It was also in the race at Darlington Raceway and finished third.
“Being in the Shootout is a definite plus as far as letting us be among the first to see how this new car design is going to react in a race at Daytona," Johnson said. "Plus, it’s just a ‘no-holds-barred’ great race for the fans and the drivers. Having your first race of the season be a non-points race is a great way to get back in the groove without the added pressure of knowing points are on the line."