We all realize that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and Jimmie Johnson's weakest link is hard to uncover. Working with the NKP (Nigel Kinrade Photography) team over the past few years covering Hendricks Motorsports I got to see up close the fanatical obsession needed to be in the top echelon of motorsports.

During the heart-throbbing 8-12 seconds of controlled chaos (the frenetic NASCAR pit stop), fractions of time equal places gained or points lost during a race. The time squandered during a tire change or refueling can never be regained, and races are won by hundredths of a second all the time. A driver relies on their crew to be the best they can be. Not only fast, but precise and meticulous, safe and thorough. A misaligned lug nut or a slip during fule delivery can be disastrous.

Jimmie Johnson spoke about how crucial his team was in his success and how fundamental they are to any long term career and goals. He knew it was the shoulders of the tire changers and engineers that he stood on in victory lane and the hands of his crew chief and gas man that held him high.

This is one of the things that shows the innate character of an athlete, knowing that even if you're the best you can be, you can be exponentially better with a great team working towards the lofty ideal of perfection. Please respect the fact that all images are ©2020