We have a solid team and we have high expectations. I can't tell you how hard the kids have worked, especially in the weight room. (Strength and conditioning coach) Rich Miller did an excellent job with their strength training and conditioning.

We're just forgetting about (last season) and moving on. The kids have something to prove. They have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder.

The pressure isn't on those kids, and that makes a difference. When you've got the pressure of expectations, it works on you. Working for Jeff Gordon is like a no-win situation - if you do good, well, you're supposed to do good with Jeff Gordon, and if you don't, well then it's your fault. And our deal is the same way.

Our team is so green that there are not a lot of expectations and the kids are a little nervous, but they're ready to go. It's a real young team, but they're capable and they have the ability to surprise the heck out of me, so that's exciting.

I don't want to have a great record and give our kids false expectations that they are good when they haven't played anybody. It's healthy to go out and play against the best, and we're lucky enough to have chances to do that.

The kids far surpassed the expectations I had for how much they could raise. They never cease to amaze me.