Racecar driver Jimmie Johnson celebrated his fifth consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup title after the Ford 400 race in southern Florida on November 21. 2010.

Jimmie was born in 1975 in El Cajon California. When five years old he began his racing career on 50cc motorcycles. Later on after graduating to four wheel vehicles, he picked up 25 wins in the SODA, SCORE and MTEG series.

In 1998, Jimmie began racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and joined the American Speed Association. Johnson received unexpected support in 2002, when NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon became a part owner of his #48 team. In 2006 Jimmie received his first Nextel Cup Series Championship. He also won five races that year.

Johnson best expressed his love of racing during an interview this year when asked if he was satisfied after winning five straight championships. Johnson replied ... "I do feel satisfied, but I have never set marks for myself that I wanted X amount of championships or wins and stuff like that. I mean, since I was kid, what's drawn me to racing is the feeling inside of me, the passion I have for the sport, the feeling I have while competing and doing what I do in a car, on a bike, whatever it's been. I guess someday when that goes away, I'll stop.

... But I don't have any major goals. If it all ended today, I would be extremely satisfied and proud of what I accomplished, but I still have that desire to work, do my job and compete.'' ...

If you do a search for Jimmie Johnson on this Big Bear Shopping website, you will find a Jimmie Johnson's #48 Lowes/Sponge Bob 2003 Monte Carlo diecast replica for sale. This NASCAR diecast collectable is one of 1,648 pieces produced. Check it out.

If you get a chance to visit our beautiful Big Bear Lake resort community, stop by at the historic Village Trading Post building in Big Bear Village on Village Drive where my huge NASCAR collection is on permanent display.

Debbie Montero

Village Trading Post, Big Bear Lake

NASCAR Collectables