Does Jimmie Johnson really need every second of track time available? We'll find out this weekend.
Johnson must stay parked for 15 minutes of practice time at Kansas under penalty from NASCAR. His No. 48 Chevy failed pre-race inspection three times, and rules say he must pay.
Johnson, fourth in driver standings after a so-so run at Talladega, has two wins this season. He also has two wins at Kansas, including last spring's race. This week, Sprint Cup runs on a 1.5-mile track. Johnson eats those for breakfast.
The Talladega infraction? Johnson's car failed template inspection.