So there is going to be that balance of understanding how to get the best out of the car that day, whether it's 15th or even if I have a shot at a top 10, protecting that car so we can bring it back when we have to.

That's what race fans love to see. That's what they bought this ticket for. That's what they're sitting in the grandstands rooting on their favorite driver for is to see him get out there, mix it up clean and bring it home just like we were, third and fourth.

There's steps that I've taken already, and each week, talking with the sports psychologist on a routine basis and working with the different programs that we're going through. This is all stuff that you can say you're going to make a difference, but I'm putting it into action.

This is like my dad's race team where we had one Legend car. If we wrecked it, we couldn't race the next week unless we had enough parts to put it back together again.

What we do is just race hard on the track every week. That's the way I'd like it to be documented, and if we watch the tape, we'll see that the No. 48 swerved into us first and I know that, before even watching the tape.

When Jimmie Johnson goes out early and finishes 35th, as he did Sunday, he can look at the cameras, lament about it being a tough day, and then say, 'We'll just try to get them next week at Darlington.'

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I took time to reflect on what is most important to me and realized I need to find a way to put the fun back into racing.

Leaving a great organization and a lucrative contract is not easy, but it allows me to take a deep breath and work on things that can make me a better driver and a better person.

I know where my priorities lie.

I'm technologically challenged, so I finally hooked up Bluetooth in my truck so I can talk going down the road.

Each driver has their own identity and from one week to another, normally it stays the same.

I also appreciate the lasting friendships I've made while working with our great sponsors through the years, including Miller Lite, Shell and Dodge.

I feel like we're a very good top-10 car, but we really have to work hard and find a unique way to get these top fives.

I just always dreamed of racing cars, but I didn't think I could do it as a living.

I've been fined probably more than any driver, and I've probably paid it out of my own pocket more than any driver.

Is my strike zone bigger than others? Yeah. It might be bigger than others, but I don't have a problem with it.

It's almost therapeutic driving there and driving back (to North Carolina), with the time you get to think about things as well as create checklists.

It's just that fun atmosphere, working on the car, being with the guys. This is exactly what I needed.

James Finch has always had pretty stout cars for the restrictor-plate races and I know we'll be very competitive at Daytona.

James Finch is exactly what I'm looking for, as far as getting back into the race car to have fun.