Jeff [Gordon] doesn't sit down and explain things. We don't sit and have meetings where I'm the student. He really teaches by example. I've learned a lot on and off the racetrack.

Jeff [Gordon] doesn't sit down and explain things. We don't sit and have meetings where I'm the student. He really teaches by example. I've learned a lot on and off the racetrack.

I swam in high school.

NASCAR does a good job of trying to keep things equal with new rules. We're not allowed to have computers in our cars to tell the crew what's going on. So the only thing you have is the driver, and the driver-crew chief relationship. That's the most important thing.

NASCAR fans are very knowledgeable and very passionate.

If the roles were reversed, I would be saying the same thing. As a competitor, you're tired of the same guy winning. I guess I understand where they're coming from and what they're saying ... I don't necessarily agree with it. I think it would be great for someone to win five straight.

I grew up in a very simple home, a very simple background, and to be able to do what I'm able to do today, I'm very honored. I don't think I'll ever lose that perspective, and I don't want to.