Jimmie Johnson

The talent level in NASCAR both behind the scenes and behind the wheel is getting better and better, according to Johnson. "More crew chiefs that are entering the sport further along than where crew chiefs did 10 years ago, same with drivers. You can have 18-year-old drivers showing up, kids showing up that are flying and impressing everyone." But, he said it's not just an improving talent pool that is creating better competition. "Then on the other side you have NASCAR tightening the rules on everyone and it's just making it closer and closer every year."

Johnson is shooting for his fourth consecutive win at Martinsville next weekend.