Johnson: Seven NASCAR titles isn’t likely

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Jimmie Johnson has three championships under his belt and is full steam ahead in pursuit of a fourth.

Seven, though? He doesn’t think he’s got that in him.

The three-time defending champion said he believes the NASCAR record of seven titles will probably never be broken. The mark is shared by Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt.

Johnson’s teammate, Jeff Gordon, leads all active drivers with four championships — a mark Johnson is trying to equal this season.

“Man, seven, I don’t think it’s possible,” Johnson said at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where he was seated next to Petty after a small ceremony declaring the two drivers “Kings of the Sport.”

“With what Richard did and what Earnhardt Sr. did, I just don’t think seven is a number you are going to get to. It’s tough. You look at Jeff, trying to get his fifth, and all the success he’s had, I think they’re safe up there with seven. I hope to prove them wrong, I’m not saying I don’t want to try, but we’re at three.”

Johnson is ranked second in the standings and trails Hendrick Motorsports teammate Mark Martin by just 10 points.