JIMMIE JOHNSON VS. REGAN SMITH:A RIVALRY IS BORN?

While I normally try to make every effort to watch every lap of every race (I knew I should have taken Kevin Harvick’s advice from that 2003 commercial), I seem to have missed a crucial element to one narrative -- Jimmie Johnson's apparent rivalry with Regan Smith, driver of the No. 7 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevrolet.

Despite Johnson successfully snapping a 24-race winless streak at Charlotte last week, fans of the six-time champ are calling for the 7's head on Twitter.

While Johnson hasn’t yet taken any action or retaliation toward Smith, fans seem to consider it a matter of when -- not if -- Jimmie gets No. 7.

Their question is simple: What's holding him back? Is it the pit crew? A grand conspiracy?

It's unclear what sparked the rivalry with Smith, whose No. 7 Chevrolet isn't battling Johnson in this year’s Chase, but Johnson's fans make it clear that something is coming -- perhaps even this year.