Johnson confident for All-Star race

Johnson was among the fastest and most consistent runners at the two-day Lowe's test last week, where the Nextel Cup teams were able to try the new tyre combination that Goodyear selected for both the All-Star Challenge and the Coca-Cola 600.

The reigning Nextel Cup champion feels confident about his chances of a strong run this weekend, which he can carry into next week's 600-mile points race.

"I do, especially after the test we just had," Johnson said. "We had a really strong two-day test session and I feel that we addressed some things that hurt us last year in those two races where we ran second. We've found some speed there so I'm really excited for the next couple races."

Johnson finished second to Kasey Kahne last year in both points races held at Lowe's Motor Speedway and is arguably the favorite to take victory next weekend, having won four races this year already.

He claims his approach to the All-Star Challenge will not be different from a points race, despite some drivers taking more aggressive attitude to try to grab the win and the million-dollar cheque that goes with it.

"We all enter it and say it's not a points race and I certainly think that makes everybody a little bit more aggressive but when the purse is that large you also take on the mindset of a points race because you want to win," Johnson added.

"I think it gets really intense. It's a place where we can try new setups and I think sometimes cars aren't driving like they typically would so guys are more on the ragged edge in some areas. It's just the combination of everything."

Johnson enjoys an incredible record at Lowe's Motor Speedway, having won seven times since 2003 at the track named after his sponsor.