Johnson to start 2008 with Rolex 24

Johnson will join 2007 Rolex Series' champions and last year's 24 Hours pole-sitters Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty, who will also be joined by former Champ Car champion Jimmy Vasser in the No. 99 Lowe's/GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac-Riley in one of the strongest line ups of the field.

Just a few days before competing in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series' season finale at Homestead Miami Speedway, Johnson tested the team's car at Daytona in a major tyre test, as Pirelli recently became the series' official tyre for 2008.

"This is going to be a lot of fun," Johnson said. "I really want to win the Rolex 24 and have tried a couple of times. I think joining this team will give me the best shot ever. What these guys were able to do last season was amazing.

"I have nothing but the highest respect for this team, drivers and the Rolex Series, and hope I can celebrate with them when we roll the car into victory lane."

Johnson has competed three times in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, finishing second in 2005 and 28th in 2004 driving for Howard-Boss Motorsports. He was 36th this year driving for the Riley-Matthews team and he also competed in July's Brumos Porsche 250 at Daytona where he qualified on the front row.

Tony Stewart, Juan Pablo Montoya and Dario Franchitti are among a number of NASCAR rivals who are also expected to compete in the event as well. Montoya won the race last year co-driving the No. 2 Ganassi car with Scott Pruett and Mexican Salvador Duran.

The 2008 Rolex 24 will take place on January 26-27.