NASCAR’S Jimmie Johnson to CGG: “I’ve never got a speeding ticket

CELEBS GONE GOOD: What initially got you into racing?

Jimmie Johnson: My family. My dad is a huge racing guy. My grandparents owned a motorcycle shop in Southern California where we grew up. I started out racing on two wheels.

CGG: What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

JJ: It would have to be winning the Sprint Cup Championship three years in a row. Winning my first championship was amazing. To win three in a row is unbelievable.

CGG: What inspired you to start your own foundation?

JJ: My wife Chandra and I feel very fortunate to be in the position that we are in, and we wanted to give back. We felt like on our own, we could certainly make a difference, but if we formed a foundation and allowed our great corporate partners, families, friends and NASCAR fans to join us in our efforts, we could do so much more. If I am able to use my celebrity to be able to give back in a larger way, I am all for it.

CGG: Why is it important to you to give back and be involved in your community?

JJ: This [Charlotte, NC] is our home. We plan to be here long term, to raise our family here. We want to do our part to make the city the best it can be. In addition, we would like to make a difference in the areas where we grew up (El Cajon, CA and Oklahoma).

CGG: You say your foundation helps children pursue their dreams. What motivated you to pursue your dreams at a young age?

JJ: Chandra and I are fortunate that our families always supported our dreams. I think that kind of thinking carries over to our foundation. We are focused on helping children in need because a lot of kids today don’t get to experience the support and encouragement we had from our families. If we can help make their lives better by granting a wish or putting a roof over their heads, we are thrilled to be able to do it.

CGG: You're involved with so many charitable organizations, how do you choose which ones are most important to you?

JJ: It is difficult to choose. There are so many fantastic organizations doing great work. For our foundation, we would like to commit 100% to a small number of organizations rather than spread ourselves thin. Again, we come back to focusing on children with great organizations like Make-A-Wish, Habitat for Humanity, the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Hendrick Marrow Program.

CGG: Do you have any tips for safe driving? What do you keep in mind when you're racing that keeps you safe and on track?

JJ: Besides the obvious rules that people are taught in driver’s education, I think it’s important to understand your surroundings. Just noticing what’s going on around you and paying close attention to everything. There are so many distractions now when you are driving that you really need to be focused. I’m drive sometime for more than 500 miles and I really have to pay close attention and stay focused or I can get myself into bad situations. I think that’s something people can remember no matter where they are driving.

CGG: Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?

JJ: I can honestly say I have never gotten a speeding ticket. I did get a ticket for a seat belt violation when I was younger, but I’ve learned from that and I can assure you I always am buckled in now, especially on the race track.

CGG: What is a misconception about racing that young people who are interested in becoming race car drivers should be aware of?

JJ: I’m not sure if there are misconceptions. I would guess that many people think that it’s easy what we are doing. I’m fortunate enough to be driving with some of the best race car drivers in the world and I can assure you that we are driving these cars on the very edge. On many tracks we’re going over 180+ mph and pushing ourselves and the cars to the limits. I would recommend that if you want to be a professional race car driver it’s going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication. Just like anything else, it’s a skill and you have to train very hard to develop that skill.

CGG: What's one piece of advice you can give to young people to inspire them towards change?

JJ: If you want something badly enough, don’t stop until you get it.