Two of the closest rivals for the NASCAR Nextel Cup championship title recently
met at a press conference before the season finale race in Homestead-Miami Speedway. These two NASCAR drivers, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon are actually close friends and race under the same team - Hendrick Motorsports.
Team owner Rick Hendrick said during the press conference:
"Winning championships is what you work and plan for. You don't expect to accomplish it but you have to set your goals high. We have 95 people on the two teams and 70 of them work on the Gordon and Johnson cars. Everyone freely shares information, too. I want to stay abreast of things and I spend a lot of time with the crew chiefs. We try to look at the competition and identify where we may have shortcomings. Working with the people is easy for me to do."

Meanwhile, check out what the two title combatants said about the upcoming race and the battle for the championship title.

Jimmie Johnson:
"We will not do anything different for the race. Pushing the envelope would not be a smart move for us. In my heart, I believe we have a good shot at winning the race. I have studied them and learned a lot from them.  I have trained myself to watch and study my superiors, and it has helped me grow."

Jeff Gordon
"As bad as I want to win the championship, I will be thrilled if Jimmie (Johnson) wins it. I couldn't be more thrilled, and we won't hang our heads because of it. It has been a great year for us on and off the track, in reference to his becoming a first-time father. Winning the championship would not top becoming a first-time dad but a championship would put a cherry on top of an unbelievable year. Jimmie can flat-out drive, and I am now going to have to start learning from him. He's on top of his game, and he's the one that everyone aspires to be."

Well, just wait for the season finale race and see who will take home the 2007 NASCA Cup trophy! Make your bets. Johnson or Gordon?