NASCAR Cup Series

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S/KOBALT TOOLS CHEVROLET, met with members of the media at Pocono Raceway and discussed the how the cars are responding to repave, the faster speeds on the new surface, the difference in pressure this season verses last year, and much more.

Ford Racing enters Pocono with three drivers in the top-12 of the latest NASCAR Sprint Cup standings, including leader Greg Biffle and second place Matt Kenseth - just one point behind Biffle - while Carl Edwards stands 12th.

CLINT BOWYER No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing How do you feel about the changes at Pocono Raceway? "I think the 100 miles shorter will be really good. The pavement -- they did a great job repaving the race track. It's very smooth."

Paul Wolfe (Crew Chief, No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger R/T) HOW DIFFERENT IS THIS TRACK NOW WITH THE NEW PAVEMENT? “It’s a good bit different. Any time there is a repave, Goodyear has to do a tire test and obviously bring a different tire, something that can stand up to the speeds, the grip change and all that."

While it was not surprising that the Monster Mile lived up to its reputation, with a major wreck in the early laps of the FedEx 400 Benefitting Autism Speaks, here are some of the other surprises at the Monster Mile in Dover, Delaware.

Anything with the right lyrics, perfect voice, and a guitar is my cup of tea. NASCAR is my cup of tea.

A.J. Allmendinger (No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge Charger R/T) YOU WERE THE FASTEST IN TODAY’S MORNING SESSION HERE AT POCONO. HOW DOES THIS NEW REPAVE LOOK TO YOU AND HOW DID THINGS GO FOR YOUR THIS MORNING? “There’s definitely a lot of grip on the racetrack. You can see it by the lap times."

Carl Edwards, driver of the No. 99 Kellogg’s Ford Fusion, came into the Pocono Raceway infield media center to talk about how testing is going for this weekend’s Pocono 400, in addition to some other issues currently surrounding NASCAR and his race team.

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Express Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing What are your impressions on the new pavement surface at Pocono Raceway? "It really feels like a different track. You're pretty much starting over from scratch."

STATEMENT FROM THE OWENS FAMILY: “The family would like to express gratitude for the thoughts and prayers of precious friends and fans.