Jimmie Johnson celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season championship, at Homeste
Enlarge Chuck Burton/AP

Johnson enjoyed the moment.

Jimmie Johnson celebrates after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season championship, at Homeste
Chuck Burton/AP

Johnson enjoyed the moment.

Why has Jimmie Johnson just won his fourth straight NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship?

"I still feel like I'm a kid in that car, maybe that has something to do with it," the 34-year-old Johnson told All Things Considered co-host Melissa Block a short time ago:

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During their conversation, Melissa asked Johnson about reports that he wanted to push to win yesterday's race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, even though all he needed to do was finish safely to guarantee another championship season. There was a race trophy to win, Johnson explains (he ended up finishing fifth in Sunday's race):

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Johnson also talked about he prepares for races — by visualizing the track and the "marks" he needs to hit as he races:

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Much more from Melissa's conversation with Johnson is scheduled for tonight's edition of ATC. Click here to find an NPR station near you.