Kenseth: Pressure still on despite win

Kenseth had not won a race since the 2007 season finale at Homestead, where he was among the drivers in the Chase. He was also among the top-twelve last season but didn't win a single race and finished the year in eleventh place after a poor showing during the 'play-off'.

The former Sprint Cup champion, who also leads the standings following Sunday's win, believes Daytona's result doesn't necessarily dictate what will happen from next weekend onwards.

"Well, it really doesn't take any pressure off," said Kenseth about his Daytona 500 win. "It puts I think a little bit of a spring in everybody's step. Probably gives everybody a little bit more confidence.

"Daytona is a totally different race than Fontana, Atlanta, Bristol, any of these tracks that are really the bread and butter of the season. Those are the tracks you have to run at to be a serious championship contender.

"It certainly does give everybody a little confidence, except for last year, when we were winless. For some reason, when we do get victories, we've been able to get some early-season wins."

The 36-year-old says he is optimistic for the rest of the season, but is eager to get more wins and be a contender for the championship. He acknowledges he has cars that can win races and titles, just as his teammates Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle proved last season by being in contention during the Chase.

"I think it's important to get off to a good start like we did," Kenseth added. "But we really need to go perform, try to win more races this year and try to be a championship contender.

"My goals are pretty high for this year. I think with the addition of (crew chief) Drew (Blickensderfer), I feel more optimistic, more confident in my team and in the possibilities that we have this year than I have really honestly in a long, long time.

"I know all the equipment is there. Roush Racing won a lot of races last year. They were able to win almost a third of the races. We know the equipment is there. I really feel like I've got the team to win. We need to go win some more races at these other tracks."

Kenseth leads the drivers' standings heading into Fontana next weekend. The last time he had been at the top of the championship was in October of 2006 when he led the Chase for the Sprint Cup following the fall race at Atlanta.