No worries for Kenseth

AVONDALE, Ariz. - Jimmie Johnson built his seven-point advantage with a dominating performance last Sunday at Texas, where he scored the maximum 48 points to fourth-place finisher Kenseth's 41.

Though Kenseth would prefer to be the Chase leader, he's not one to worry about it.

"I don't sit and worry about the next race track coming up, because worrying is just a waste of energy, a waste of time," Kenseth said. "Certainly, I try to be as prepared as I can when we come to the track … try to look at what you've done in the past, what you can do better coming back and try to improve on the things you did good, try to improve on the things you did bad and try to be better at that.

"Kind of go over a plan for what we're looking for, what we want to accomplish, that type of thing. I wouldn't say 'worry' is the right word. I haven't worried at all, really. Just trying to be as prepared as we can and as ready as we can when we get here."

Kenseth has reason for optimism. In his first open-motor event with Joe Gibbs Racing, on March 3 at Phoenix, Kenseth finished seventh, his best result at the one-mile track since 2010.

"We had a good run here in the spring," Kenseth said. "It was my first race with the team, really, besides plate racing. We had a really competitive car, and we've been good at these kinds of tracks.

"I'm looking forward to the weekend."

By Reid Spencer - NASCAR Wire Service