There wouldn't be any way I could have jumped into Cup with the success I had without the truck series. I wish I had more time to spend there. There are so many things the truck teaches you about aerodynamics, the professional ranks of racing, and working with a professional team.

Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it allows me to take a deep breath and work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person.

It's almost therapeutic driving there and driving back (to North Carolina), with the time you get to think about things as well as create checklists.

This 51 Phoenix Racing team, I love them to death. They've got my back, I've got theirs.

I am grateful to Penske Racing for six very productive years. Together we won a lot of races - 16 in all. I'm proud that we won on a variety of tracks.

Dale Earnhardt told me it doesn't matter if fans boo or cheer, as long as they're making noise.

The Daytona 500 is a big race, and Darlington is just as big of an event, and a lot of people get excited for it.