Johnson healed and ready to race

Reigning NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and Daytona 500 champion Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet) arrived at Daytona in good shape and in good spirits. Johnson injured his wrist in a golf tournament during the off-season.

“My wrist is good; I’m feeling good," Johnson said Monday. “I’m going to wear a splint in the car, just to be smart and to be sure, but my cast is off and my hand is working. The timing was perfect; I had the off-season to heal up and I’m ready for Daytona.

“The best motivation we have is experiencing what we did in New York and being honored as the champions. We want to do it again. We’re just as hungry as we’ve ever been."

As further proof of his good health, Johnson said he’s proceeding with his plans to race in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona road racing event on Jan. 27-28.