AVONDALE, Ariz. – Jimmie Johnson didn't officially win his third straight NASCAR championship yesterday.

But the post-victory celebration at Phoenix International Raceway was worthy of a championship.

The scene was wild and included many of Johnson's friends from El Cajon, including Padres right-fielder Brian Giles and his brother, Marcus.

“I usually have a big group when I race close to home,” Johnson explained. “My friends and I from El Cajon will be getting crazy tonight for sure. This is the offseason for (Brian) Giles, so it works out that this is a fun race.”

Johnson had planned to spend more time with his friends before yesterday's race. But those plans took a hit when Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus decided to change the car's setup after Saturday's practice sessions.

Knaus explained that Johnson's team came to Phoenix wanting to sit on the pole – which they achieved Friday.

But neither Johnson nor Knaus were happy with the way the pole-winning setup handled Saturday in long runs in race trim.

“Jimmie did a great job of leading us where we needed to go during practice,” Knaus said. “We made some adjustments and the car started running closer to where we ran in the spring.

“Jimmie did a good job of breaking down the racetrack for us . . . what he was feeling and where his sensors were. And we made some pretty substantial changes this morning. One of the strengths we have in this team is the communication between Jimmie and myself.”

Perhaps too much communication.

Both Johnson and Knaus agreed that Johnson placed too many calls to Knaus on Saturday night to discuss the changes the team had made.

“After last week's performance (15th at Texas while Carl Edwards was winning) and Saturday not being just like we wanted, I was probably a little more stressed out than I needed to be,” Johnson said.

Johnson's 40th career win was his third straight at Phoenix – a record. He now ranks 15th on NASCAR's all-time wins list.

But all of Johnson's wins have come during a seven-year run that includes his two (and likely three championships), two runner-up finishes in the final standings and two fifth-place finishes.